Saturday, December 5, 2015

Parade rolls out at 5pm this evening

Grand Marshal Gordon Guess – a former banker – will fittingly be tossing out change during tonight's Christmas Parade that starts at 5pm on Main Street.

Yes, that’s money. Dimes and nickels.  

“He thought that would be more appropriate than candy since he was a banker,” said Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce Executive Secretary Susan Alexander.

It has been several years since the Chamber has held its holiday parade at nighttime so there is a hint of renewed enthusiasm about this year’s event which kicks off at dusk this evening.

Shelly Davidson of Partners Insurance, which his coordinating this parade, said there were almost 40 entries. 

In addition to the traditional attraction that a parade brings to downtown, there will be hot drinks and cookies on the streets. 

Davidson said Farmers Bank will having hot chocolate and cookies and a live Elf on the Shelf contest; The Peoples Bank will provide cider and fudge and a Christmas setting for selfies and other photos; and Bowtanicals will have coffee available. 

“I like a nighttime parade,” said Lisa Beard, who works at the courthouse. “Everything in town just shows up nicer.”

While most of the entries in the parade are vehicles of some sort, Davidson said there will be a few floats. The parade them is “Picture Perfect Christmas.”