Moore says Kilgore ready for parade

With the tragic event that occurred last night in Overton when a motorist disregarded a barricade and struck pedestrians preparing for the city's Christmas parade, the City of Kilgore prepares for its own parade tonight.

Chief Ronnie Moore, director of public safety for the City of Kilgore, said security for the parade will run pretty much as normal.

"All off-duty police officers will be brought in to work the parade, as well as fire department personnel and city employees," said Moore.

One change will be for parents dropping off children to be in the parade: they will have to park and walk them to the parade starting point because no cars will be allowed in, said Moore.

There will be police, fire or city employees at every intersection along the parade route and each intersection will be well barricaded, Moore said.

"It is unfortunate what happened last night in Overton and the City of Kilgore is taking every precaution that it will not happen here," said Moore. "I want everyone to feel safe when attending tonight's parade."

The Kilgore Christmas Parade will start at 6:30 p.m. tonight, so come early and get a good spot because there will be thousands of people out for the parade tonight — so be careful when driving in the downtown area.