Emporians officially rang in the Christmas season with the annual Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Tuesday night.
The 41st instalment of the annual Emporia tradition filled Commercial street as over 80 different floats spread Christmas cheer with smiles, waves and of course some holiday tunes form area marching bands.
This year the parade was led by Chris Phillips who held the honored position of Parade Marshall. Phillips has been a Chamber member since 1979 and has played a big roll in the parade dating back to it’s earliest days.
The event got underway with the Emporia High School Chorale filling the night air with some Holiday classics followed by the annual Christmas message delivered by Pastor Jason Palmer of Hope Community Church Free Methodist. Finally Mayor Danny Giefer, with the help of some younger residents, officially began the parade with the lighting of the Christmas tree.
The theme for this year’s parade was Christmas wishes and featured several unique takes on the idea.
This year’s float winners were as follows
Parade Marshall Award: Valunet Fiber of Emporia
Parade Committee Award: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Chamber Award: Emporia Symphony Orchestra
Mayors Award: Masonic Lodge of Emporia
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}Christmas Parade 2018{/gallery}
