Waxahachie Daily Light
Do you ever wonder why our parade in Waxahachie is called the Crape Myrtle Fourth of July Parade? A group of women, members of Gardeners limited, chose a committee to help beautify the city in 1992. The committee became the Crape Myrtle Council and consisted of Neil Blankenbeckler, Susie Braden, Renda Hickerson, Jane Hamilton, Ora Bell Larkin, Evelyn Pitts, Beth Price, Shirley Singleton, and Shirley Williams.
Mrs. Singleton had a tree farm in Meridian, Texas, and furnished crape myrtle trees for the council to plant at their individual homes in Waxahachie. Many other citizens also planted the trees in their yards, and the city planted them in public areas. Businesses also used the trees to enhance their landscaping. The city planted trees for its citizens, when asked.