Hundreds turn out for annual Christmas parade
Hundreds of area residents braved chilly weather Tuesday evening to watch the annual downtown Christmas parade.
The theme for this year's parade was Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. The parade, which was witnessed by about 200 people who assembled downtown in brisk 31-degree temperatures, featured numerous floats and attractions, the Fort Scott High School Pride of Tigerland Band, and of course, the jolly old elf, Santa Claus. The parade is sponsored each year by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division.
For this year's event, the Mayor's Christmas tree, which is usually placed near Skubitz Plaza, was situated on the grassy area near the corner of Wall and Main streets where the Miller and Nelson blocks once stood. Parade organizers said they made this change for various reasons -- to make the grassy area more festive for the holiday season and to create more room downtown for other activities planned in conjunction with the parade, including the annual lighting of the tree, a live Nativity scene performed by Bethel Community Church and musical entertainment, just to name a few.
Donna Wilson and Melinda Richardson, both of Fort Scott, said they head downtown to watch the parade every year, shop in downtown stores and enjoy watching the Nativity scene that took place before this year's parade. The two women, who huddled Tuesday near a storefront set back from the street, also said they thought the change in location for the tree was a good move.
"Before, the parade just went by and you went home," Wilson said. "Now, it's more of an event."
Chamber officials said moving the tree adds life to the downtown area -- the site of a devastating March 2005 fire -- and provides more visibility for travelers entering town from U.S. Highway 54 and those who drive down Wall Street often.
Richardson said she goes downtown to watch the parade and participate in festivities each year to "support the town." She also said she looked forward to seeing her granddaughter, who is a cheerleader at FSHS, appear in the parade.
"I think it's really nice," Richardson said.
Pat Jackson, also of Fort Scott, said he has attended every downtown Christmas parade for several years, no matter the weather conditions. He brought his wife and two grandchildren with him to watch the Nativity scene and parade. The family also planned to participate in activities scheduled after the conclusion of the parade.
"We come to every parade, every year ... I bring my grandsons to everything," Jackson said. "The people like it ... It's nice."
Jackson added he admired the effort put in by organizers and workers to make the event happen.
"The crew they have is very dedicated," he said. "They do a good job for what they have to work with."
Prizes were awarded to first, second and third place entries in the parade. Other activities Tuesday evening included the Scottish Rite Temple Chili Feed and the Fort Scott Farmer's Market.
The parade started at the corner of Main and Third streets, continuing north on Main Street, and turning west on Wall Street to National Avenue, where it ended.