Thousands of people came out on Dec. 7 to watch the De Soto Christmas Parade.
Sarah Greenlee, office coordinator for the De Soto Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the parade each year, said she believes the warmer weather that night drew more people this year than last year.
“Main Street was just lined with three to four rows of people on both sides,” she said.
The 96th annual Christmas Parade started at Mahn Funeral Home and ended at J.C. Culwell Stadium behind De Soto High School. The theme was “Nutcracker Christmas.”
Greenlee said there were 150 parade entries, which is pretty typical for the Christmas parade. She said the procession included 20 horses and 500 walkers, including members of the De Soto and Kingston marching bands.
“It was jam-packed with wonderfully decorated cars, trucks, racecars, side-by-sides, a monster truck, school buses, a tractor, heavy machinery equipment and lots of floats,” she said. “We even had some horses, dogs, puppies and a kangaroo.”
Greenlee said the Best in Parade Award went to the De Soto Community Center float with its rendition of the Nutcracker Ballet. The business received a Nutcracker trophy and a certificate.
She said the Holiday Spirit Award went to Kylee J. Huskey & Associates American Family Insurance for its truck that was fully decked out with Christmas lights. The business received a Santa Claus trophy and certificate.
“We were very pleased with Santa and his sleigh this year – the reindeer were flying,” Greenlee said.
She said the chamber was happy to be able to continue the tradition again this year.
“It just brings so much joy to our community,” Greenlee said.
A local business, E.S. Leonard Waterproofing, livestreamed the parade for those who couldn’t be there.
“That was a huge help,” Greenlee said.
Journey Community Church, 820 N. Main St., and GraceLife Chapel, 1000 N. Main St., opened their restroom facilities for those attending the parade. Journey Community Church also gave away hot cocoa and coffee.
Rose Yancey of Cherished Memories Florist & Hallmark Gold Crown served as the parade marshal and was the official tree lighter for the annual Tree Lighting on Dec. 6 in front of City Hall.
Greenlee said the weather for the tree lighting was a little chilly but about 400 people attended. The De Soto High School Choir performed.
She said when it was time for Santa to draw names for winners of two raffled sleds, the Grinch caused some trouble, but it was resolved.
“The Grinch stole the names in the raffle but Santa had a talk with him and he gave the names back,” Greenlee said. “Two children won a sled.”
Afterward, businesses stayed open late for the Nativity Walk and children were able to visit Santa and miniature ponies at the Arlington Event Center.
De Soto Christmas Parade 2024
Memphis Sample, 3, left, and his sister, Lakelynn, 2, and their grandmother, Helen of De Soto, wait for the parade to start.
Tanner Blake, 14, Sarah, Jordan, Mike and Susie Jennewein and Tucker Blake, 8, of De Soto wait for the parade to begin.
Ember Mayfield, 8, and her sister Riverlyn, 6, of De Soto are ready for a parade.
Kaitlyn and Camrym Jeil of De Soto bring their beagle, Finn, to the parade.
From left, Maci, 11, and her sister, Riley, 8, of Potosi with their friend, Kelsey Johnson, 12, of De Soto wait for the De Soto Christmas parade.
Junior Amvets of De Soto float.
People walk alongside the Knights of Columbus St. Rose of Lima Council float.
Performers from Bordeau Dance Studio make their way down De Soto Main Street.
De Soto High School varsity dancers
A Nutcracker-themed float in the De Soto Christmas Parade.
A Radio Flyer float in the De Soto parade.
The De Soto Christmas Parade includes a Sheet Metal Contractors Inc. float.
Santa Claus and his reindeer are the last entry in the De Soto Christmas Parade on Dec. 7.
The First United Methodist Church of De Soto float.