Gravette Christmas Parade brings joy

Photo by Susan Holland The Lockheed T-33 jet at the southwest corner of Kindley Park is adorned in red, white and blue lights for the holiday season. The U.S. and Arkansas flags beside the plane can also be seen bathed in the light from the seasonal displays. The plane, honoring Capt. Field Kindley, is on loan to the City of Gravette, courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Photo by Susan Holland The Lockheed T-33 jet at the southwest corner of Kindley Park is adorned in red, white and blue lights for the holiday season. The U.S. and Arkansas flags beside the plane can also be seen bathed in the light from the seasonal displays. The plane, honoring Capt. Field Kindley, is on loan to the City of Gravette, courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

GRAVETTE -- The weather cooperated beautifully for Gravette's annual Christmas parade Saturday evening. The temperature was just cool enough to put folks in the holiday spirit but not too cold to be uncomfortable. A good crowd turned out for the event and spectators lined the roadway as parade participants made their way down the chosen route, some throwing candy and gum to the crowd.

Gravette's fire department, police and emergency vehicles led the parade, with their sirens announcing their arrival. The Maysville and Sulphur Springs Fire Departments also brought their trucks to participate.

The Gravette High School marching band was close behind, with some of their instruments outlined in bright lights to add to the festive mood. They played a variety of Christmas carols as they made their way down the parade route. Members of the Gravette community choir rode on a float and sang Christmas hymns and traditional carols to add to the music in the air.

Some churches brought floats, including the Gravette Church of Christ, the Mount Zion Baptist Church and the Harvest Baptist Church, whose "You Can Make a Difference" theme float promoted their Share the Harvest food pantry. Girl Scout Troop 5839 rode their "Cookie Express" and the Kiwanis Club built a float with the intriguing question, "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and featuring their own version. Ronnie Austin fired up the old John Deere tractor, hooked it to a trailer and hauled his wife, kids and grandkids to town from his farm on Stagecoach Road to wish everyone a "Merry Christmas." A couple of horseback riders also joined the parade.

Bringing up the rear of the parade was the float most youngsters were eagerly anticipating, the one carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa was preparing to climb down the chimney of a brightly lighted house while Mrs. Claus sat in her chair surrounded by a crowd of youngsters.

Parade participants traveled north on Highway 59, then turned and made their way down Main Street to Kindley Park, where Santa and Mrs. Claus disembarked and made their way to the gazebo to greet the waiting children. Santa heard from a long line of children who shared their wish lists with him and Mrs. Claus handed a candy cane, provided by the Gravette Lions Club, to each child.

Bowls of chili or chili Frito pie were enjoyed by many and another table nearby held hot chocolate and cookies to warm the hands and satisfy the sweet tooth. Members of the community choir stood near the gazebo and entertained the crowd with their carols as everyone enjoyed their refreshments.

General News on 12/10/2014