The December, 2003 Citizen of the Month is shared by two individuals who for the past seven years have helped give the community a delightful start to the holiday season. The Citizens of the Month award is presented to Carol Brown and Sue McCormick – Co-chairs of the Parade of Lights.

In 1996, the Leadership Rapid City Class was looking for a good community project and settled on a holiday parade of lights. They were looking at doing something that would have an impact on the city and demonstrate their leadership skills. Through years, this annual parade has grown in size to the delight of the thousands of people who turn out and enjoy this winter time extravaganza.

The Parade of Lights would not happen without the help of the dozens and dozens of volunteers who step forward and help. However, there are two individuals that have led the process through the years – Carol Brown and Sue McCormick. Their commitment, leadership and dedication to this project make this annual event a major holiday attraction for the entire region. Planning for the parade starts early in the year and requires hundreds of hours of preparation to make it a reality. Year after year, these two individuals have of given of themselves and met the challenge of this outstanding community festival.

We salute these two individuals with this recognition of Citizen of the Month and, on behalf of the entire community, we thank them for this wonderful holiday gift.