Hornersville's Holiday Spirit

Members of the Hornersville Baptist Kids' Choir entertain the crowd at the Hornersville Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday evening, singing a variety of Christmas songs.

Staff photo by Deanna Coronado

HORNERSVILLE, Mo. -- The City of Hornersville is in the process of getting in the holiday spirit, after kicking things off with the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday night. The next event in the city's holiday line up is the annual Christmas Parade.

The second annual Hornersville Christmas Parade will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, along Main Street.

According to Parade Committee Chairman Keith Cole, who brought the idea of a Christmas Parade before the Hornersville City Council in 2008, the event is held in an attempt to "do something for the community."

"I thought it was time to do something for the community," Cole said. "We already do a tree lighting ceremony. I thought it would be cool to do a parade."

The 2008 parade was host to more than 40 entries, including floats from local businesses and organizations, as well as the Blytheville Classic Car Club, Kennett Fire Department, Senath Fire Department, Hornersville Fire Department, Arbyrd Fire Department, and several antique tractors.

Also taking part in last year's parade were holiday favorites the Grinch, and Santa and Mrs. Clause.

"Last year's response was great," Cole said. "We had great attendance."

Cole said this year's line up already has more than 30 entries, including several churches and local businesses, and antique cars and tractors. He added that this year's winning floats will be rewarded with prize money-- $200 for first place, $150 for second place, and $100 for third place.

Cole said the parade is still accepting entries and those wishing to participate can contact the Hornersville City Hall at (573) 737-2616.

"We welcome everybody into town to come have some great chili and watch the parade and get into the holiday spirit," Cole said.

The same evening of the parade, the Hornersville Volunteer Fire Department will host a chili supper from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the community building to sponsor the upcoming "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" event.

The chili supper will feature all-you-can-eat chili, drinks, and dessert, for a cost of $5-per-plate. Children 8-and-under eat free.

The "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" event will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12.

In this event, Santa Claus bring toys and goodie bags for the children of the community. There will also be drawings for larger toys and pictures can be taken with Santa.

All children in the Hornersville community are invited to come.