Here comes the parade
Emporia's Christmas celebration begins Tuesday on Commercial Street
By Brandy Nance
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
It will be a hometown Christmas Tuesday in Emporia with the annual Christmas Parade.
The parade, which runs up Commercial Street from Fourth Avenue to 12th Avenue, has 76 entries this year and carries a hometown Christmas theme, the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau announced. This is the 30th year for the parade.
This year’s parade marshals selected by the Chamber are Elvin and Kathryn Perkins. The Perkinses have lived in Emporia since 1948 when Elvin Perkins opened a law practice in Emporia. All three of their children, John, Steven and Janet went through the Emporia school system.
Both Elvin and Kathryn Perkins have been an active part of the Emporia community.
According to a press release from the Chamber, Elvin Perkins served on the Emporia City Commission for six years, one of those as mayor. He was one of six founders of the Emporia Community Foundation and has served as an officer and board member since its inception.
Kathryn Perkins was organist for First Presbyterian Church for many years and substituted at many other churches. She was involved in leadership positions including Girl Scouts. She also served as a member of the Board of Education for USD 253 for 12 years, including terms as vice-president and president.
Cable One will broadcast the parade live on Cable Channel 20 with commentary by Ron Thomas of Emporia’s Radio Stations, Larie Schoap of Lyon County State Bank and Jeanine McKenna, president and CEO of the Emporia Chamber of Commerce.
Related ceremonies will take place at 714 Commercial St., in front of the Cable One office.
The schedule for Tuesday evening’s Christmas parade is as follows:
- 6:15-6:30 a.m. — Music by members of the Emporia State University A Cappella Choir.
- 6:30 p.m. — Invocation, the Rev. Darren Hensen of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
- Christmas message by the Rev. Nancy Gammill of First United Methodist Church.
- Benediction, the Rev. Kathy Williams.
- Dedication and lighting ceremony, Emporia Mayor Julie Johnson will follow.
- 7 p.m. — Parade