December 4, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
‘Twas a merry and delightful Saturday night in downtown Smithville as thousands of spectators celebrated the arrival of the holiday season during the Smithville Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square.
It is believed to have been the largest parade in Smithville’s history in terms of participants with the long line stretching from the New Life Connection Center down Congress Boulevard to the public square.
Country music legend John Anderson served as Grand Marshal of the Parade with his wife Jamie riding with him. Mr and Mrs. DeKalb County Alex and Ashby Woodward were this year’s honorary Grand Marshals.
Although it was still somewhat cloudy and temperatures were chilly which is typical for a December day, the rain had ceased before parade time. Many onlookers parked along the route to see the show while others gathered downtown to get a closer look as the parade passed by and to scoop up some candy tossed to them by Santa and other participants. After the parade, many people stayed in town to shop and to enjoy all that Christmas on the Square had to offer including LIVE model window displays at several businesses, a reception by local public officials at the courthouse and city hall who served up refreshments, a photo shoot with Santa by the DeKalb Animal Coalition at the law office of Gayla Hendrix, a fun photo booth at the courthouse, and a visit with Santa at Justin Potter Library
DeKalb Funeral Chapel won 1st place for their float entry. Second place went to Hurricane Marina and the Memorial Baptist Church took 3rd place. The DCHS Fighting Tiger Band won the Spirit Award presented by the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Winners of the Chamber of Commerce sponsored “Live” Windows Contest were: First Place-The Attic on Walnut Street; Second Place- The Purple Door Antiques and Uniques; and Third Place- Real Source.
The parade was sponsored by the Smithville Fire Department.
Santa will make two more appearances today (Sunday) in DeKalb County.
The Liberty Christmas Parade will be today (Sunday, December 4) at 2 p.m. The lineup begins at 1 p.m. on West Main Street near Salem Baptist Church. In addition to floats, the entries this year will include a category for kids and a separate one for animals/4 wheelers and then another for antique vehicles/tractors. Refreshments will also be served. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures.
The Alexandria Christmas Parade will be today (Sunday, December 4) at 5 p.m. The lineup begins at 4 p.m. on West Main Street near the car wash. For more information call the Alexandria City Hall at 615-529-2171 or obtain entry forms at www.townofalexandria.us.