With festive floats and merry notes, the Chambers of Commerce hold their annual Christmas parade. On Monday, December 2, at 6:30 PM, the parade started with the Hernando Police and continued for another hundred floats. With an overall total of one hundred and one float, this is one of the biggest parades they have had since this tradition started in 1974. This year, the theme for the Christmas Parade was Candy Land, a fitting theme that all the kids wanted. There were many different age groups to experience another year of this tradition, even though it was as cold as ice on a winter day.

Continuing after the Hernando Police, the next float happened to be one of the many fire departments that joined the parade. Unsure of the exact number of bystanders, it can be quoted saying that multiple fire departments and fire trucks were participating in the parade.

Following the fire department was a candy land-themed float that had a bit of Hernando culture splashed in. With our local water tower represented, a gingerbread man and house, and many peppermint lollipops, this float followed the theme well.

As more floats pass, the more cool and creative things get. From snowmen made from tires and decorated boats rolling down the road and fake snow being blown around, this created a winter wonderland experience for young viewers.

Hernando High School had a few of its clubs and sports teams come and participate in the Christmas parade as well. Some of these include the HHS cheer and a decorated float, the HHS dance walking with a banner, the HHS band playing musical notes as they walked, and their Mayor’s Youth Council, which sat on top of a fire truck.

After having a sit-down interview with Presley Taylor, a student at the local high school who was in attendance at the parade, she was quoted saying, “I liked the parade this year. My favorite float was the Sonic float because they gave out Sonic peppermints. Personally, I think this year’s parade was a lot better than last year’s, partly due to the size and the amount of effort that was obviously put into each and every float.”

In addition to the local high school’s participation, many of the local businesses also participated in this tradition to not only advertise their business but also spread the Christmas spirit. Some of these businesses included the local Sonic, Hernando Animal Clinic, and Rise.

Overall, the annual Hernando Mississippi Christmas Parade is an amazing way to spread Christmas spirit and also to get involved in the community.