No snow, no problem

Last year, tons of snow lining Jackson's streets turned the city's annual Christmas parade into a holiday postcard scene.

Saturday's edition of the parade didn't have snow, but it was covered in Christmas spirit.

About 2,500 people lined the parade route, stretching along High Street, Main Street and Union Avenue. Some came more than a half hour early just to get a good spot to watch the 78 floats, three marching bands and hundreds of friends and neighbors.

Debbie Seyer and Gladys Reed of Jackson brought their grandchildren to watch the floats and catch candy.

"We used to be in the parade," Seyer said. "Now we're out here upholding tradition."

Amber and Autumn Reed, 8 and 6 years old, sported Santa Claus candy bags, each personalized and ready for filling. The girls, along with 5-year-old Tyler Brinkoph, had spent the morning at Breakfast With Santa, an Orchard Drive Elementary School tradition.

Jackson school resource officer Rick Whitaker kicked off the parade and was followed by members of the American Legion Post 158 and its auxiliary. The parade marshal was state Rep. Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau. Marching bands from Jackson, Meadow Heights and Oak Ridge high schools participated.

The Jackson Jaycees, parade sponsors, were pleased with the number of entries this year. Last year's snow-covered event had 64, while 2001 had 55.

The slight increase is valued by the nonprofit group, which currently is in the red after not meeting expenses from the Jackson Fourth of July celebration.

"We collected donations for entries this year to help offset the cost of candy and marching bands," said Beth Pry, vice president of community development for the Jackson Jaycees.

Regardless of their financial state, the Jaycees' goal is to give to the community, Pry added.

The spirit of reaching out to others rolled through the parade on a float by the Jackson Ministerial Alliance. As candy was passed out, canned food was collected for a food pantry for the needy and placed in the back of a pickup truck under a bare Christmas tree, symbolizing those who will struggle to make a holiday from meager resources.

Connie Mize and Eleanor Loos came prepared for the canned food drive. They brought along a sack of cans to donate. And for them, the weather was just fine.

"It's good it's cold," Mize said. "It's supposed to be cold."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133