Cheer was spread, memories were made and traditions continued with the 44th annual Emporia Christmas Parade Tuesday night.
More than 80 floats made their way down Commercial Street as part of the festivities which began with the traditional tree lighting and dedication ceremonies. Pastor Mark Adams of Embrace Church offered this year’s Christmas message saying it was an honor to be a part of the evening.
Mayor Becky Smith lit the Christmas tree to begin the parade. This was the first time during her tenure on the Emporia City Commission Smith had the tree lighting duties.
She says it is heartwarming to look back at the evolution of her involvement with the parade.
Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeanine McKenna says this is always a great time in Emporia. She says the Christmas parade is a time when memories are made that last a lifetime.
As previously mentioned, there were more than 80 floats entered in this year’s parade, the theme for which was a “Joyful Christmas.” As always awards were given to the floats that best embodied that theme.
Award winners were as follows:
*Parade Marshall Award: Pratt Industrial
*Parade Committee Award: First United Methodist Church
*Chamber Award: Emporia Symphony League
*Mayor’s Award: Kiwanis Club of Emporia
Rather than having a single Parade Marshall, this year’s parade had a well known local couple sharing the responsibilities. Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch and Terry Koelsch were chosen to lead the festivities as this year’s co-Marshalls.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
