Tree lighting in Downtown Sikeston is Friday, parade on Saturday

SIKESTON — While many holiday celebrations are changing or being canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Historic Downtown Sikeston will once again be lit up for Christmas, with a celebration planned.

This year, however, the typical one-day event, featuring the tree lighting and Christmas Parade will now be a two-day affair.

On Dec. 4, beginning at 6 p.m., a tree lighting along with Christmas Music In the Park will be held and then on Dec. 5, beginning at 6 p.m., the annual Parade of Lights will be held.

“In previous years, both events took place on the same night,” said Jason Davis, executive director of Historic Downtown Sikeston. “As a result, it seemed that some of the events like the tree lighting got lost in the shuffle of the parade ending. So, we wanted to kick off the weekend with the tree lighting and end the weekend with the parade.”

Jason Schrumpf, CEO of the Missouri Delta Medical Center, will be the official tree lighter on Friday night.

“We wanted to find a way to recognize and celebrate our medical professionals this year after all they have been through,” Davis said.

After the tree lighting, The Community Christmas Project, a band made up of Sikeston musicians will perform.

David said the parade route will be extended this year to allow for people to spread out more and socially distance. The parade will begin at the Old Kingsway Mall and will travel down Kingshighway, then will wind down Front Street and Center Street.

Davis said at last count 35 floats have entered the parade.

“There will be a contest for the best float this year, so get creative and really light up those floats,” Davis said.

To enter a float, email sikestonchristmas@gmail.com.

Santa’s Village will also be set up once again in Legion Park as well.

“I’ve heard there are some new buildings that will be a part of the village this year,” Davis said. “It should be quite a sight with the new tree and all the decorations that will be around downtown.”

Santa will also be out and about both days while Davis is also hoping the annual carriage rides will be part of the event, although that is not known at this point.

“The company that typically provides the rides has been dealing with the horses have health issues,” Davis said. “We are hoping they will be ready for this weekend, but we cannot make any promises.”

Also during both nights, Downtown merchants will be having their second Holiday Open House with store specials and extended hours.

All told, Davis hopes it is a festive way to kick off the Christmas season and bring some cheer in a year that has been upended by the coronavirus.

“We would love to see many people out to celebrate the joy of the season,” Davis said. “We have all had a difficult year and we’d like to see this event brighten up the year for many.”