Christmas parade has large turnout

The Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce held their 36th Annual Bonne Terre Christmas Parade on Monday night.

Bonne Terre Executive Director Ron Allen said this has been their biggest turnout by far.

“I thought it was better than last year,” said Allen. “The weather was just perfect, just a little cool nip in the air, which is just kind of parade weather. I think we had one or two extra judges this year and overall there were more than last year. We judged 15 floats, but we had about 40 entries.

“We appreciate everyone that came out to participate and everyone who came out to watch. We will try to do it bigger and better next year.”

The streets lined with spectators waiting for their first glimpse of the parade and children happily ran around waiting for the first of the floats to come in sight. The spirit of Christmas was in the air.

As the parade made its way down the street, lights could be seen for blocks flashing and blinking and the fire trucks were sounding their sirens. The excitement of the children could be heard as the floats made their way slowly down the street.

Bonne Terre City Administrator Jim Eaton said that this year’s parade was wonderful.

“At the beginning of the parade there were a lot of people,” said Eaton. “The floats turned out great and the town participation is a wonderful thing to see. We were able to get the snowflakes up in time for the parade and it took a lot of effort from the employees and the chamber. Everyone is to be congratulated for it.”

Spectator Dana Plunkett said she was happy to see so many floats in this year’s parade. Her daughter was participating by walking with the North County cheerleaders.

“I think that there was a huge turnout and it was a good parade as always,” said Plunkett. “I’m happy that it’s not freezing, snowing or raining like it has been in the past. The weather is decent and I’m excited to see all the floats and what the businesses have done with them.”

This year’s theme was “Dreams of Christmas” and there were several floats, the marching band, cheerleaders, boy scouts, girl scouts, fire departments, many area businesses and Santa and Mrs. Claus was the last float in the parade, which is the chamber float.

The first-place winner for best float was Pharmax Pharmacy and they won a cash prize of $200. The second-place winner was First State Community Bank and they received $150. Gentiva Hospice was the third-place winner receiving a $100 cash prize.

View more photos online at dailyjournalonline.com” width=”800″ /> The North County Marching Band performs Christmas music as they march down the streets in the Bonne Terre annual parade Monday night.

View more photos online at dailyjournalonline.com

Even the Grinch attends Bonne Terre’s 36th Annual Christmas parade Monday night. There were about 40 entries in this years parade, making it one of the largest yet.

Renee Bronaugh is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-518-3617 or rbronaugh@dailyjournalonline.com