AMERICUS — The 938 residents of Americus, plus some from the surrounding countryside, held Lyon County’s largest — per-capita — Christmas parade Saturday evening.
Nineteen parade entries flashing the “Holiday Lights” parade theme rode or walked down Main Street, which was lined with cars and pickup trucks parked for optimum viewing.
“I think that is just wonderful,” said organizer Belle Grimsley of the number of parade entries. “I’m just so grateful” for the participation.
Some of the entries entertained parade-goers, maneuvering in circles and figure eights as they went by. In-between entries, youngsters scampered onto the street to pick up candy tossed from the floats.
The Schubert Train, a family affair, has become a staple in many parades around the area, according to Lora Schubert, whose son, Ben, drove the engine Saturday night. Lora Schubert and daughter-in-law Jennifer settled into two gift-wrapped cars at the end of the train.
“And then we have borrowed some kids,” Lora Schubert said of the passengers in the other gift-wrapped cars.
The Americus parade was the 17th the family has participated in this year, including Emporia’s Christmas parade last week. They also have given rides on the train during church festivals and other events.
“We’re getting to the point where people are calling us up and asking us to come to the parade,” she said.
Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, angels, shepherds and an assortment of life-sized cut-out animals, plus a lighted, live llama, were among those who marched in the parade.
The Nativity was followed by a sign announcing the group’s next performances: 6 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 2549 Road E, Americus.
Among the parade entries also were a classic Studebaker Lark decorated with lights and bows, an Americus Junior High cheerleader float, a four-wheeler covered with a wreath and lights and ridden by a youngster whose helmet blinked in holiday colors as he rode, and a couple of antique tractors that chugged a rhythmic cadence down the street.
Santa Claus shouted “ho-ho-ho” from his perch on the Americus Fire Department’s pumper truck as he rode down the street, followed by the new ladder truck driven by Fire Chief Garland Hendrickson and the Americus Police Department Patrol car driven by police Chief Don Hart.
Winners chosen were:
F Best use of parade theme — the New Breck Cafe, whose float was decorated with a huge blow-up Frost the Snowman figure, a decorated Christmas tree, gifts, children, and lights galore.
F Most original use of lights — Olin Karr with lighted llama walking with the Living Nativity Scene performers.
F Judges Choice — The Schubert Train, featuring a lighted miniature black steam engine pulling a train of cars lighted and wrapped like Christmas presents, and each holding a passenger.
Judges were Kathy Pierce, Anita Westcott and Sandi Simmons.
The Living Nativity group and their families provided hot chocolate outside KansasLand Bank during and after the parade.