Jackson ushers in season with Santa, camels, Grinches

Jackson residents ushered in the Christmas season Saturday with its annual parade down Main Street.

Clear weather drew a crowd of people who came to watch their children, grandchildren and students or just get into the holiday spirit. Bank of America, Jackson City Hall and Main Street Fitness served as tailgate areas or as shelter for those who hadn't yet thawed from the morning frost.

"It gets you in the mood," Cecelia Larson of Jackson said of the parade. She attends nearly every year.

What got her even more in the mood was when she finally spotted her 7-year-old granddaughter, Daphne Larson, waving and smiling from under the covers of a makeshift bed -- a pickup truck -- resembling the children snuggled in their beds from the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas."

New this year were three camels that were accompanied by Biblical figures clad in robes and turbans, sponsored by Wild Horses Rodeo Club.

"A Storybook Christmas" was the theme of the parade, which was sponsored by the Jackson Jaycees.

The Grinch was a popular selection. A few unicycles were powered by Pizza Pro managers who distributed coupons while their crew, led by a green-faced Grinch, waved and smiled from their big red float with pizza cartons wedged in the wheels.

The parade theme connected generations with their Christmas stories, but for some, the parade was almost bittersweet.

Nancy Gillard watched parade floats go by, but she was looking for her children, Barbara and Austin, who are Jackson High School band members.

"Barbara has been in the parade ever since first grade with the swim team, Dance Extensions, now the band," Gillard said.

A senior, Barbara will probably just be a spectator next year.

Admission coupons to the Oliver House Museum were distributed by Cathi Stoverink, a Jackson Heritage Association member who strolled the street dressed in period costume.

The museum kicked off its seasonal tours Saturday and is decked out in holiday splendor, sporting five Christmas trees and its latest exhibit of Frank Medley photographic postcards depicting early Jackson.

The Oliver House is open from 1 to 3 p.m. today; another tour will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133