Allen and Jennifer Connor, residents of Indian Trail and founders of Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps, will lead the Town of Indian Trail’s annual Christmas parade as the grand marshals on Sunday, Dec. 1.
The Indian Trail Town Council selected the Connors to serve as grand marshals because of their support for law enforcement, the military, and veterans and their service to those in our community and beyond. Joining them will be Carlos and Jade Williams and their son, Logan. They are the parents and brother of Sunnie Williams, who passed away earlier this year from DIPG, an aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer. They will represent the Sunnie Strong Foundation (www.sunniestrong.org), created in memory of Sunnie and focused on finding a cure for DIPG and supporting families after their child passes away.
The Connors connected with the Williams family through their club, Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps, which aims to create a community where all are welcome, whether they have a Jeep or not. Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps launched in 2020 and was created off Carolina Cruise4Kids, a car show-on-wheels concept started by Kevin Arndt during COVID-19 to give back to the community during that time.
The Connors, along with co-founder Hannah Helms, saw the need for an organization that focused specifically on supporting the military, veterans, and law enforcement officials. Thus, Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps was born. Jennifer grew up in a patriotic family, with her father, grandfather, and uncle serving in the military. So, respect and support for the military and law enforcement have always been important to her. While its primary focus is still on the military and law enforcement, Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps has expanded to host events and fundraisers to support anyone in need in the community.
Since 2020, Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps has hosted or participated in dozens of events, such as Back the Blue fundraisers, car shows, parades, and toy drives, including partnering with Indian Trail on its annual Car Show and Toy Drive and participating in its July 4 and Christmas parades. Those interested in joining Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps can follow its public Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cc4jeeps/) to learn more and start participating in events. The club hosts at least one event per month.
Right now, the club’s primary focus and prayers are on Western North Carolina and getting people still sleeping in sheds, garages, and on the ground into better shelter before the harsh winter. Club members regularly deliver supplies to the area. Those interested in donating or volunteering in Carolina Cruzin4Jeeps’ efforts can find information on the club’s Facebook page.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our club members and the community's support,” Jennifer said. “We appreciate the recognition from the Town of Indian Trail and the opportunity to be grand marshals for the Christmas parade. The community enjoys seeing the Jeeps and the different themes every year. It’s just fun. When I see one veteran give us a thumbs up or a child who gets excited to see the Jeeps, it makes it all worth it.”
During a typical parade, Jennifer drives the Jeep while Allen, decked out in an outfit to match the year’s theme, rides along through the sunroof or on top of the Jeep, getting the crowd involved.
“I like to get the people engaged,” Allen said. “We always have music playing from the Jeep that I’m dancing to. I try to get people into the theme and to dance along with me. The parades are all about having fun and coming together as a community.”
The Connors will kick off the Christmas parade at 4 p.m. The parade will begin at Post Office Drive, with the floats heading straight down Indian Trail Road and ending at Old Monroe Road. There will be plenty of spots along the route to watch the parade.
“We look forward to seeing all the fun and creative floats this year,” said Hayden Kramer, Indian Trail’s Parks and Recreation director. “Each parade seems to outdo the one the year before and is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Santa has even told us this is one of his favorite events! Thank you to Jennifer and Allen for leading the parade as grand marshals.”
Indian Trail’s Winter Fest & Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6-9 p.m. at Chestnut Square Park. All are invited to attend and join in on numerous festivities, including a free hot chocolate booth, pictures with Santa, crafts, games, and of course, the official Indian Trail Christmas Tree Lighting.