New Madrid celebration blends history, family fun

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Just like Santa, Liz Riley, one of organizers for New Madrid’s annual Christmas parade, is keeping an eye on the weather. For Saturday’s parade, the weather is looking perfect: warm enough for the crowds to line the street but cool enough to put everyone in that Christmas spirit.

The sixth annual New Madrid Christmas parade will get underway at 3 p.m. Saturday as part of the community’s two-day celebration of the holiday.

The parade route will once again travel down Scott Street, jog onto Powell Avenue then Virginia Street before heading down Main Street. The parade will end at the Mississippi River levee.

“Last year was a good parade, but I think this year is going to be even bigger and better,” Riley predicted. “I don’t know if it is the theme or just that everyone is in the Christmas spirit this year.”

This year’s theme of “A Country Christmas” had already drawn six bands and about 50 entries into the parade. According to Riley, there are a number of returning groups sponsoring floats as well as new entries.

“I think we will have some very pretty, postcard-type entrants and a couple of surprises that will get some laughs out of our audience,” she said about the floats.

First, second, third and honorable mention trophies will be awarded to the top floats and bands.

Santa Claus will be featured as the parade comes to an end.

Joining Santa and Mrs. Claus in his sleigh will be Saylor Courtois, the daughter of David and Allison Courtois of New Madrid. Saylor earned her spot in the sleigh by finding a specially marked rock during the community’s Fourth of July rock hunt.

“I just want them to know how much we appreciate everybody who has helped organize and are a part of the parade and those coming out to watch it,” Riley said. “It is a really nice event.”

When the parade is over there are still many fun things for families to do in town, she added.

Christina McWaters, executive director of the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce, has worked with the local businesses to again create Santa’s Village.

“There will be fun activities for the kids, treats and goodies from immediately following the Christmas parade to 6 p.m, “ McWaters said.

Participating in Santa’s Village are the New Madrid County Family Resource Center, 420 Virginia St., which will give books to children; the

law office of Brandon Sanchez, 565 Main St., will feature the opportunity for children to have their photo take with Santa; and the New Madrid Pharmacy, 457 Main St., will become the North Pole Pharmacy. H&R Block, 409 Main St., will be transformed into Polar Express, offering hay rides and hot chocolate while youngsters can write letters to Santa at the Higgerson School, 300 Main St.; or check out the holiday boutique at Bella Dia, 202 Main St..

McWaters has made vials of Christmas cheer which she will hand out to children.

For the adults, there are opportunities to shop. McWaters noted the gift shops at the Higgerson Landing and the New Madrid Historical Museum will both be open as well as other businesses.

From 6-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, free tours are offered at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, the New Madrid Historical Museum, the Higgerson School and the Riverwalk Gallery.

McWaters called the two evenings a great time to learn about the community and its past.

“This is only time of the year that Hunter-Dawson Home lights the oil lamp chandelier,” she said. “That is kind of neat to see.”

Matt Davis, interpretive resource specialist with the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, said with the oil lamps lit, visitors will know what it is like to walk into a house for Christmas in the 1860s.

Dressed in period clothes, the staff will be stationed through out the house to answer visitors questions.

The house will feature a large tree in the formal parlor, a smaller tree with historically accurate decorations in the family parlor and a tree in the sewing room. Additionally greenery was added to the home’s decor this year.

Those visiting will also be treated to what Davis described as historic cookies. For the tours, he is using period recipes to create persimmon cookies made from the persimmons grown on the trees at the site. There will also be gingersnap and applesauce cookies.

Davis and the other staff members anticipate welcoming as many as 300 people each evening, depending on the weather.

Jeff Grunwald, executive director for the New Madrid Historical Museum, is also hoping for a large turnout. He said they will serve apple cider and cookies along with a lot of history for those taking part in the free tours.

“We would love to have everyone come and look at the collections we have in the museum,” he added.

According to McWaters, the Chamber and the community have worked to grow the holiday celebration each year. The number of visitors continues to grow as well, she said.

“If they have not had the chance to tour our town, this is great time to do it . . . They can enjoy the lights on the levee. Main Street is absolutely beautiful. The city and Botanical Society do a great job of decorating the town,” she said. “We hope they will come spend the afternoon and evening with us not only because of the decorations but because there are also so many interesting things to see.”

For more information or questions about the upcoming events, contact the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce at 573-748-5300.