Charleston events kick off city’s Christmas fun

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Charleston will be decked out for the holiday season this Thursday, Nov. 30 into the weekend, with a hometown Christmas parade, midnight madness, a gingerbread house decorating contest and more.

Charleston’s annual Christmas parade sponsored by the Charleston Chamber of Commerce will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The parade lineup will be at the Charleston upper elementary school, according to Lilly McKinney, vice president of the Charleston chamber board. McKinney also said the parade will begin south of Marshall Street, proceed through downtown and make a right turn just past City Hall. 

McKinney said Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the parade, and the Christmas tree lighting will take place right after the parade. McKinney encouraged everyone to dress appropriately for the weather and said she wants everyone in the community to come out as a family and have fun.

“We just want to come together as a community and have a good time,” McKinney said. “Invite your friends and your family, and make sure to get some hot chocolate at The Brew Jay and to take a picture with Santa for free at the tree lighting.”

The Mississippi County Historical Society will also hold its annual cookie sale on Thursday at the Focus Bank pavilion on Main Street from 4 p.m. until sold out.

On Friday, Dec. 1, from 8 p.m. to noon, some downtown stores will be open late for shopping.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, there will be numerous events taking place throughout the day. 

The Charleston Junior Study Club will hold its annual Jingle-Bell Jog, a 5K, 1 mile walk, and youth race beginning at the Charleston Scout Cabin on Stark and Cypress.

Registration will take place on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. The youth race will begin at 8 a.m., with the 5K following, and then the walkers will follow the runners. The Jingle-Bell Jog costs $25 per person to register.

The Charleston Revitalization Movement (CHARM), according to vice president Jennifer Hall and president Tiffiny Shankle, will also host a few events on Saturday.

CHARM will sponsor a pet parade at Main St. Park on Saturday morning at 10 a.m., according to Hall. Pets must be leashed. There is no admission fee, but Hall said that they are accepting pet food and treats to donate to a local shelter. 

“Just bring your fur babies all decked out for the holidays and enjoy this fun take on a ‘Pet Show,’” Hall said. 

Following the pet parade, CHARM will host an ugly sweater contest at Main Street Park at 11 a.m. There is no admission price.

According to Hall, The Brew Jay will host a gingerbread house decorating competition at 1 p.m., which is being sponsored by First Christian Church.

There will be pre-baked puzzle houses to decorate, and the finished houses will be displayed in downtown business windows for everyone to vote on the winners. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 16. 

Some decorations will be given for the gingerbread houses, but participants are welcome to bring their own.

CHARM will also sponsor the downtown merchant open houses, as well as vendors selling crafts and the Young Entrepreneurs on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, according to Hall.

“Our Young Entrepreneur’s Market hosts kids from kindergarten to 18 years old who want to try their hand at a single-day venture or have a small business of their own,” Hall said. 

Shankle and Hall expressed excitement for this weekend’s Christmas festivities in Charleston and encouraged people in the community to attend and have a good time. 

“This is an opportunity for all members of our community to come out and enjoy the activities our small town has to offer this Christmas season,” Shankle said. 

Hall agreed with Shankle, adding that getting into the Christmas spirit is vital for Charleston because it creates a pleasant, loving and warm atmosphere that brings everyone together.

“The very nature of Christmas is Christ’s love, and when we all get in that spirit, great things can happen,” Hall said.