Holiday cheer was both visible and audible in downtown Emporia Tuesday night.
The 45th annual Emporia Christmas Parade saw nearly 90 entries make their way down Commercial Street which was filled with local residents. The procession was led by Parade Marshall and retiring Emporia Community Foundation CEO Becky Nurnberg.
Nurnberg says being selected as this year’s Marshall was a humbling and heartwarming honor.
Emporia Area Chamber President and CEO Jeanine McKenna says remnants from this past weekend’s snowfall made for an extra festive feel for this year’s parade.
Prior to the start of the parade, the Emporia High School Chorale performed a series of Christmas carols for those in attendance before Church of the Nazarene Pastor Paul Meinke delivered the annual Christmas message. Pastor Meinke says he was very proud to play such a featured role in the evening’s proceedings.
More than 20 of this year’s entries entered to be judged in various categories. Winners were as follows:
*Parade Marshall Award: Simmons
*Parade Committee Award: 1st Church of the Nazarene
*Chamber Award: Energy Softball
*Mayor’s Award: Agoge Wrestling
As always, the parade was broadcast on KVOE 1400 AM/96.9 FM and KVOE-TV at KVOE.com. Video from the evening’s activities can be found on KVOE’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
