New Madrid Christmas parade

The Grinch and some of the Whos from Whoville make an appearance on the float sponsored by New Madrid Pharmacy. The float earned second place honors in the New Madrid Christmas Parade. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

The Grinch waves to the crowd as his float travels down Main Street at New Madrid's annual Christmas parade. The float earned second place honors. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Immaculate Conception Catholic School celebrated all things "Mary and Bright" with their float during the New Madrid Christmas parade. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd as New Madrid's annual Christmas parade came to an end. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

The River Bend Botanical Society's float, "Santa's Workshop," won first place in the New Madrid Christmas parade on Dec. 11. This year's theme was all things "Merry and Bright." (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the New Madrid County Central High School marching band were arrayed in lights, ribbons and holiday hats as they performed in New Madrid's Christmas parade on Dec. 11. The band earned first place in their division. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the girls baskeball Youth Sports League Program showed their talents and holiday spirit during New Madrid's Christmas parade. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

The Polar Express, a float by Matthews Elementary School in Matthews, Mo., earned third place honors in New Madrid's Christmas parade on Dec. 11. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A chill was in the evening air making it a perfect setting for New Madrid's first ever evening Christmas parade. This year's parade theme was "Merry and Bright." (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Students on the Matthews Elementary School at Matthews, Mo., float wave to the crowd as their float goes down the street during New Madrid's Christmas Parade (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Youngsters crowd into the street as the fire trucks and other emergency vehicles sound their sirens at the start of New Madrid's Christmas parade. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Bud Henry, grand marshal of New Madrid's Christmas Parade, drives one of the many antique tractors he has restored during the Dec. 11 event. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A variety of floats lit up the streets for New Madrid's first ever evening Christmas parade. Church groups, civic organizations, businesses and individuals all took part in the event on Dec. 11. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Charlie Barnett is all smiles as she waits for the New Madrid Christmas Parade to begin on Dec. 11. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)