Holiday magic on wheels: Piedmont Cartersville wins second place in Christmas parade!

Cartersville, Ga. (December 11, 2025) - For the first time in recent history, Piedmont Cartersville Hospital placed in the Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade, earning second place in the Non-Commercial category out of 170 floats on December 4, 2025. This achievement was the result of incredible creativity and teamwork, led by Loretta Sumrall, director of laboratory services, who spearheaded the initiative and truly outdid herself.

The Cartersville Exchange Club Christmas Parade, sponsored by Schottenkirk Honda, is one of the largest holiday parades in North Georgia, drawing thousands of spectators and a live-stream audience. Beyond spreading Christmas cheer, the event supports a meaningful cause—100% of net proceeds from entry fees benefit local underprivileged children.

The vision for the float went far beyond simple decoration. It required weeks of planning, coordination, and hands-on involvement from multiple departments. Staff members volunteered their time to design, build, and decorate the float, ensuring it reflected Piedmont Cartersville’s commitment to compassion, excellence, and community service. From sourcing materials to organizing after-hours work sessions, the level of engagement was extraordinary.

Among the many who made this success possible were Pam Jones, patient access supervisor; Julie Gulley, FANS manager; and Charles Champion, HVAC manager, whose hard work and creativity helped bring the float to life. Adding to the day’s excitement, Heather Clement, director of emergency services, led the Allatoona Nursing Honor Guard—an inspiring tribute to the nursing profession and Piedmont’s unwavering commitment to compassionate care. Kenny Wood from public safety brought smiles along the route with his signature Can-Am Spyder, pausing to share treats with children. Joining the celebration was Emilee McArthur, recipient of Piedmont Healthcare’s prestigious President’s Award, exemplifying the leadership and service that define our organization.

“This float was a true representation of our team’s dedication—not just to the holiday spirit, but to the values we live every day,” said Lori Rakes, CEO of Piedmont Cartersville. “We believe in making a positive difference in our community, and this achievement shows what happens when we come together with creativity and purpose.”

Sumrall echoed that sentiment: “Our team came together in a way that truly showcased the heart of Piedmont Cartersville. Winning second place was the icing on the cake!”

The float’s success is a testament to what can happen when teamwork, integrity and innovation meet holiday cheer. Congratulations to the entire Piedmont Cartersville team for making history and spreading joy this season!