Tuesday, November 25, 2025–2:50 p.m.

-Staff reports-

Each year, Linda Hatcher works with the local Toys for Tots campaign to provide toys for deserving children who may not have any presents otherwise. So, it’s only fitting that Hatcher has been chosen to lead this year’s Rome Christmas Parade as its Grand Marshal.

Hatcher was announced as the 2025 Grand Marshal during a breakfast on Tuesday morning at the Coosa Country Club.

A native Roman, Linda, is a highly regarded retired educator and dedicated community servant.

​She is currently the local Chair and Coordinator for Toys for Tots, spearheading a vital holiday mission that collects and distributes presents to children in need. Her passion for “giving” is evident in her leadership of this organization.

With an impressive academic background that includes a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education (Science and Math) and a specialist degree in Middle School Science and Administration, Linda has leveraged her influence to significantly help others.

Her commitment to giving back extends far beyond the holiday season:

Supporting Education: Adopting classrooms, providing financial support for students and teachers, and hiring former students.

Volunteering & Service: Hosting coat drives for the needy in the winter, providing rides for voters, and offering her home to those recovering from surgery.

Community Leadership: Serving as a Board Member and House Leader for Habitat for Humanity.

Also during Tuesday’s breakfast, two long-time volunteers for the Rome Christmas Parade Committee were honored for of lifetime of service.

Jerry Rucker and Janet Byington are retiring after many decades with the parade.

The Rome Christmas Parade is Tuesday, December 2, at 7 p.m. on Broad Street. It will start at First Street and will end at the Rome City Auditorium, where Santa Claus will help light the city’s Christmas tree.

The rain date will be Thursday, December 4.

This year’s theme is “Christmastime in the City.”