Changes in Emmet parade don’t stop the fun

By Staff, 12/13/21 10:19 AM

EMMET – There were major changes to the 28th Annual Emmet Christmas Parade, but the most important one stayed the same – a visit from Santa.

The parade kicked off a few hours earlier, starting at 4 p.m., while it was still light outside. In years past, the parade started at 6 or 7 when it was good and dark – and usually cold. The parade route was shortened as well, starting at the old Emmet school going on the opposite direction it normally went, turning left at the stop sign, right at the yield sign, heading toward the tracks before taking a final right turn and going to the Chuck Wagon.

No one seemed to mind as the streets were still lined with people watching the parade, and gathering the hand fulls of candy thrown out of the floats. There were some new faces in the parade as students from Nashville’s FFA Club participated as did a group from the Texarkana Shriners. Even the Grinch made an appearance. But the most important person in the parade was jolly old St. Nick.

Once the parade ended and the festivities began at the Chuck Wagon, where people loaded up on punch, cookies and hot chocolate, awards were handed out. Sandy Skaggs’ crew won the prize for having the most enthusiastic float, while Rebecca Hull received the EVA Appreciation Award. Possibly the most shocked person there was Jewel Allen who was presented with the Make A Difference Award. It was pointed out that Allen was one of the founders of the Emmet Volunteer Association some 28 years ago.

When this was done, Santa was introduced, took his seat and listened to what the boys and girls want for Christmas this year.