Though the holiday season has come and gone, some events have lasting effects. The Annual City of Valdosta Christmas Parade has always helped foster community relationships and has continued to do so with the Mass Media Department at Valdosta State University.

The annual parade is a group effort between the City and Ossipee Temple. In 2021, the City added a new community partner by teaming up with the Mass Media Department at VSU, which assisted with broadcasting and production.

"I've always found it important to develop out-of-the-classroom activities for our students. The partnership with the City provides experiential learning opportunities to learn skills and gain experience you cannot teach in a classroom setting. The parade not only gave 18 students the chance to join the crew but allowed Jamie Collins & Emily Moses to take leadership positions in planning the production," said Andrew Black, VSU Lecturer.

Preproduction planning for the parade started as early as November 1, 2021. Students assisted with camera and cable placement, locating power sources, shooting directing, and technical directing. 

"The City has partnered with VSU for years on the production of the City Focus Show, and this is just another way to continue that partnership. It not only gives students that added experience that will help them in their future careers, but it was a huge help as we are often swamped around the holidays," said Marcus McConico, City of Valdosta Media Coordinator.

Both the City and the Mass Media Department hope to continue this partnership in 2022.