Sights and sounds of Christmas

Even before the Jackson Christmas parade began Saturday afternoon, South High Street echoed with joyful holiday sounds -- songs of costumed carolers, laughter of children kicking frozen slush from the curbs and the soft landings of snowballs thrown in the street.

The parade route was almost completely clear of the week's snowfall, thanks to city crews removing 250 tons of snow. However, ice on some parts of Main Street nearly caused the sponsoring Jackson Jaycees to cancel the parade for safety concerns, said president Randy Sander. The route began on High Street, turned west on Main Street, then south down Russell Street to end at Jackson High School.

A Jackson police cruiser's siren kicked off the parade at 1:30 p.m., followed by the color guard from American Legion Post 158 and parade marshal Scott Lipke, the newly elected state representative for the 157th District.

Sixty-four entries signed up for this year's parade, compared to 55 last year. Due to the weather, a few of them didn't show, Sander said.

Nevertheless, some spectators considered this year's parade one of the best.

"I liked it all," said JoAnn Finchum, 64, of Jackson. "It was a very good parade this year, and I've been several times."

Many of those entries included floats and cars sponsored by area businesses, churches and youth organizations. Several area fire departments drove trucks joined Jackson's in the parade: Millersville, Fruitland and West Overland. High school bands from Jackson and Oak Ridge performed.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce gave special recognition awards to Marmic Fire and Safety, the Jackson Girl Scouts, Immaculate Conception School and to the musical "Grinch" float entered by Coldwell Banker - Abernathy Realty. The float got cheers from children and adults as it rolled down the street with its towering, green Dr. Suess character.

"The Grinch!" said 9-year-old Anthony Mitchell of Jackson when asked about his favorite part of the parade. "And the Jackson band, and the candy. I thought it was all good."

His enthusiasm for the festive parade was shared.

"I thought it was great," said Verna Nitsch, 77, of Jackson. "I love seeing the bands and I like to see Santa Claus too."

Three-year-old Delaney Bell called this year's Christmas "fine," while clutching a plastic bag filled with several kinds of candy handed out by those walking and riding in the parade.

"I like to see the motorcycles, and the horses," she said, glancing about to make sure she hadn't missed any other chances for sweet treats.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160