Parade Theme: Toys, Trains, And Candy Canes
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Chamber Report
By Jessie Gurner
Yes, we know, it’s only September. The porch mums aren’t even in place yet, jack-o’-lanterns haven’t even thought about been carved, and the Thanksgiving menu hasn’t even been discussed. But here’s the thing, even if Christmas may feel far away, if you want to be part of the Water Valley Christmas Parade, now is the perfect time to start planning.
Mark your calendars for Friday, December 12, when the streets of downtown will come alive with new Christmas lights, music, and plenty of holiday cheer. This year’s theme is as sweet and playful as it sounds: Toys, Trains, and Candy Canes. It’s a theme that practically begs for creativity. Picture floats shaped like toy boxes spilling over with dolls and teddy bears, marching toy soldiers stepping in rhythm, glowing trains winding their way down Main Street, and candy canes big enough to make even Santa do a double-take.
If you’ve ever stood on Main Street in the chill of December and felt the thrill when the first notes of “Jingle Bells” echoed down the street, you know the magic of the Water Valley Christmas Parade. Maybe you remember when your kids scrambled for candy, or when your grandkids waved from a float. Some of us still talk about the year it snowed (just a little) and how it felt like Water Valley had turned into a scene from a Christmas movie. Those moments stick with us, and they’re the reason people come back year after year.
And here’s where you come in. Parades don’t just happen. They’re built float by float, wagon by wagon, group by group. They’re powered by businesses, churches, schools, clubs, and families who decide to roll up their sleeves, put on their Santa hats, sprinkle on some glitter, and spread joy to the whole town. That’s why we’re announcing the theme now, so you have plenty of time to gather supplies, rally your team, and bring your own brand of holiday magic to the parade.
Parade organizer Tonya Eubanks says, “The parade is one of those traditions that brings out the very best in our community. Main Street is full of families, children’s faces lit up, and everywhere they are floats that show off the creativity and heart of Water Valley. Whether you’ve entered before or this is your first time, we want you to be part of that this year.”
We know Halloween and Thanksgiving deserve their spotlight first. But think of this as a friendly reminder that Christmas is just around the corner because the best parades take a little planning. Whether you’ve entered a float for years or this would be your very first time, this is the year to do it. The theme is fun and full of possibilities.
If you’d like to participate, it’s easy to get started. Call or text Tonya Eubanks at 662-609-7370, or email her at tonyaeubanks @ohcm.ms.
So go ahead and dream a little. Sketch your float ideas, gather your group, and start planning. Toys, Trains, and Candy Canes are waiting, and Water Valley can’t wait to see what you create.
