Tuesday, AUGUST 19, 2025 |
Photo – An entry in a parade in Encampment – Bigfoot99 file photo
Rawlins officials discussed the possibility of city-sponsored holiday parades.
During the August 5th Rawlins City Council meeting, Mayor Jacquelin Wells opened the floor to a discussion about organizing Fourth of July and Christmas parades. The idea was originally proposed by Vice Mayor Darril Garner, who was absent from the meeting. Mayor Wells explained that in the past, the local Chamber of Commerce oversaw the Christmas parade. However, after the group disbanded two years ago, city staff unexpectedly assumed responsibility.
Rawlins Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer said the previous Friday, August 1st, Rawlins in Motion owner Rebecca Iacovetto expressed interest in organizing future Christmas parades.
Thayer said Iacovetto was already brainstorming a theme for this year’s Christmas parade.
Councilman Steve Sanger stated that the city has not traditionally hosted a Fourth of July parade; instead, Carbon County residents typically attend Saratoga’s event. Sanger explained that organizing a parade in Rawlins would be costly for the city and might not draw a large crowd.
City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave added that city staff are typically given the Fourth of July off. Organizing a parade would require the city to ask employees to give up their holiday.
Councilman Derek Elliott said in his opinion, people are traveling to Saratoga because the city doesn’t host its own Fourth of July parade. Councilman Elliot argued that, as Carbon County’s most populated municipality, Rawlins should organize a large holiday display instead of relying on smaller towns.
Mayor Wells praised city staff for their excellent work on last year’s Christmas parade. With only four months until Christmas, the Mayor said the city should collaborate with local nonprofits on this year’s event.
As the item was presented solely for discussion, the City Council took no vote and offered no additional comments.
