An estimated 2,000 people turned out Monday to watch the annual Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, said Festus Mayor Sam Richards.
Tonda Breeze, the chamber administrator, said mild weather probably contributed to the large crowd at the parade, which started at Mississippi Avenue and Bailey Road in Crystal City and proceeded to Main Street, ending at the Festus Public Library.
“The weather was perfect,” Breeze said. “We’ve had all kinds of weather (over the parade’s history). The one year was just an absolute rain storm; it hit us like a wall. We have had bitter cold. We’ve had snow. So, when you get an evening like we had (on Monday), it was a welcome relief.”
It was the 72nd time the parade was held, after it was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Winter Nights and Magical Lights” was the theme for this year’s parade, which included more than 100 entries, including eight marching bands, Breeze said.
“They all did a great job,” she said. “Northwest (High School Marching Band) put on a show.”
Chamber employee Diana Stueve said she enjoyed all the bands.
“They were very well organized,” she said. “They were very well behaved.”
The parade also included emergency vehicles, and several local businesses had entries in the parade. Santa Claus was riding on the last parade float.
Winners in the float category were Sheet Metal Contractors Inc. in De Soto, first place; McCain’s Towing in Herculaneum, second place; and Scenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Herculaneum, third place.
Flipside in Crystal City won first place for the dance group category, and Show Me Antique Car Club won first place for the antique vehicle category.
In the motor unit category, Festus Country Chapel placed first, the Festus Middle School cross country team took second and Pippin Towing and Recovery in Festus placed third.
Breeze said she was thankful for the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, which provided the color guard for the parade. She also thanked Crystal Highlands Golf Course for transporting candy to give out during the parade and the KC Clowns for distributing the candy.
Breeze said she was grateful for both the Festus and Crystal City police departments and all the volunteers who helped.
A video of the parade may be viewed on the Leader Publications Facebook page and YouTube channel.