Thousands of people came out to the 97th annual De Soto Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.
Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the parade each year, said more people lined Main Street to watch the parade this year than last year.
Parade participation was about the same as last year with more than 150 parade entries, 600 walkers and a couple of decorated horses, she said.
“The weather was in the 40s so it was perfect for our ‘Winter Wonderland’ parade theme,” Greenlee said. “The chamber was truly ecstatic with the outstanding parade entries this year. We had so many exceptional floats it was really hard to choose a winner.”
“The ‘Best Adherence to Theme’ winner was the Hunter Perry and Family float,” she said, adding Hunter is a child whose family just decided to do a float this year. “It was stunning. Snow was swirling all around their float, topped with a snowman, Christmas trees and reindeer that all looked like they were made from twinkling crystals. Just beautiful.”
Greenlee said ZHL Motors of House Springs received the “Most Creative” award. She said the float featured a huge gingerbread house, a giant Little Debbie snack cake tree, smoke coming out of the chimney, a snow machine, candy and gingerbread men.
“It was a showstopper for sure,” she said. “Other great unique standouts were a large oversized green Grinch Mobile from Purcell Tire and several entries from Pippin Towing complete with the Grinch and Spider-Man hanging from harnesses. It was a pretty neat sight.
“Of course, the most important and most impressive float of all was Santa’s giant sleigh packed with toys and being pulled by nine flying reindeer. It was pure magic.”
Santa’s Sleigh was sponsored by Dar-E-Kreme in Cedar Hill, Double D’s Pizzeria in south St. Louis County, Bryer Rowden and family, and the Huck family, she said.
“The De Soto Chamber recognizes and appreciates all the time, creativity and effort that goes into making each float fantastic,” Greenlee said. “It’s a lot of work, and we know a parade is only as good as the entries that bring it to life. We are incredibly grateful for every participant and volunteer who helped continue this beloved town tradition. Our community loves a good parade, and we hope to see even more wonderful entries in the years to come.”
Don and Pat Schaeffer of D & S Fencing Co., Inc. were the grand marshals this year. They also served as the Christmas tree lighters at the annual Tree Lighting at De Soto City Hall on Dec. 5.
Greenlee said about 400 people attended the Tree Lighting. Mayor Matt Franken welcomed the crowd, and Chamber President Rick Pirtle led the ceremony. The De Soto High School choir sang.
Santa Claus, the Grinch and an elf attended, but not without some drama.
“Santa saved the day by stopping the Grinch from stealing and even helped turn his heart good,” Greenlee said. “Santa added the Grinch to the nice list. Santa then drew two kids’ names from the crowd to win brand new sleds.”
The holiday fun continued with a new activity, the Elf Scavenger Hunt.
“The chamber provided elves to businesses who hid/posed the mischievous elf at their location or in their window,” she said. “Let me tell you they did an amazingly creative job posing the elves.
“Some were hanging from the ceiling, riding reindeer, riding dragons, drinking coffee, hugging a dinosaur and doing all sorts of funny activities. Families had a magical time visiting shops then writing down what the elf was doing at each location. Completed forms were turned in to the elf at the Arlington Event Center for a chance to win a 5-foot-4-inch holiday yard elf inflatable.”
Greenlee said the winner was Haley and Kay’ome Ellenburg.
“We are looking forward to carrying on this exciting elf activity year after year,” she said.
Santa, his elf and a live reindeer were set up at the Arlington Event Center that evening for photo opportunities. There were games, a Santa letter-writing station, s’mores and vendors.
“It was a bit chilly but not too bad overall,” Greenlee said. “Santa’s adorable reindeer was a huge hit and crowd favorite.”