By Ben Cox
Photos/Special to The Source
Jacksonville kicked off the holiday season in grand style on November 29 as crowds lined the downtown square for the annual WJIL/WJVO Christmas Parade.
The parade stepped off under chilly and windy temperatures, as threats of the incoming winter weather had people bundled up in winter coats, hats and mittens. There was a steady line for free hot chocolate and cookies while awaiting the first gleam of parade lights turning onto the square.
This year’s parade featured a lively mix of community groups, local businesses and holiday characters that brought color, sound and spirit to the heart of the city. Campaign floats from Morgan County Sheriff candidate Jamie Jackson and Republican commissioner candidate Greg Hacker rolled by with festive decorations and plenty of waves. The Jacksonville Drumline Institute delivered one of the most energetic moments of the night, powering down the route with rhythmic beats that had parade-goers nodding along.
Several area organizations joined in the celebration, including the Prairie Land Heritage Museum Institute and a cheerful group from Crazy Horse Campground.
The City of Jacksonville’s own royalty, Miss Mia Frye, Junior Miss Addie Hudson and Little Miss Caroline Bruce, added sparkle to the procession, greeting spectators from a beautifully lit sleigh.
Local businesses also showed off their holiday spirit, including Hill Repair It, Dumpster Daddy 217 and R.P. Lumber, among others.
One of the crowd favorites came courtesy of Bill’s Towing, which delighted children and adults alike by hauling the Grinch “on the hook” after receiving a report earlier in the day that he was going to attempt to disrupt the parade and “make Christmas 67% less merry.” As the report read, “Wrong town. Wrong day. Very wrong tow company.”
The Jacksonville Fire Department closed out the parade with a spectacular touch. High above the crowd, firefighters lifted Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the department’s bucket truck, delivering them safely to the Santa House to greet excited children waiting below. The moment served as the parade’s unofficial finale and a joyful signal that the Christmas season had officially arrived.
In a special highlight of the evening, The Farmers State Bank unveiled the world’s largest Advent calendar. The massive display glowed at the northwest side of the square ready to go with the unveiling of its first characters celebrating the city’s 200th anniversary for this year’s daily spectacle.
The festivities were hosted by Sarah Shellhammer and DJ Eddie Baldwin of WJIL/WJVO who met Santa and Mrs. Claus once the parade ended, encouraging everyone to visit the Festival of Lights at the Morgan County Fairgrounds after the parade.
With bright lights, community pride and holiday cheer in abundance, Jacksonville’s Christmas parade once again proved itself a beloved local tradition—one that continues to bring the community together to celebrate the magic of the season.
