By Rita Howell

Determined local float-builders have prevailed to schedule a Christmas display next Monday in the aftermath of Tuesday night’s rained-out 2008 Batesville Christmas Parade.

Anyone who has not dismantled their entry for the cancelled parade can park it on the lot at Midtown Market (in front of the old Western Auto store on Highway 6 East) for a float exhibition which will begin at 5:30 p.m. on December 15.

In addition to the assembled assortment of floats, the Batesville Fire Department will display its antique firetruck, “The Teapot.”

Longtime Lions Club parade coordinator Jerry Lightsey reluctantly cancelled the parade Tuesday morning when it became apparent that the rain would not end by the scheduled start of the event.

It was only the second rained-out parade in at least 30 years.

Lightsey said he has contacted Santa about appearing at Monday’s float exhibition, and the jolly old elf plans to attend.

“He said he wouldn’t miss it,” Lightsey said.