When the holiday season comes near the staff of the Nixa Community Center works hard in order to get the annual Christmas parade ready for the community. Every year Nixa gives the community something to look forward to during the holiday season. After working together, the 67th Christmas parade was ready to go into action on Dec. 5.

   “Putting the Christmas Parade together is definitely a team effort between all of our full-time staff. However, my main role in the making of the Christmas Parade is to organize the parade,” Andy Smith, Recreation Specialist at the Nixa Community Center said.

   Planning a Christmas parade has a lot that goes into it. From making sure the route will work out to having the money needed for the supplies is available and plentiful.

   “Ozark Chevrolet allows us to borrow three of their vehicles for the parade. The vehicles are driven by our staff and carry the Grand Marshal, Miss Merry Christmas and her attendants in the parade,” Smith said.

   Christmas parades as well as other events do the job of allowing the community together and enjoy those around them. With Nixa having a population of 20,000 people, the parade helps others meet the people they are living around. 

   “It brings the community together and shows off a bunch of different programs and organizations,” Freshman Gina Curry said.

   The annual Christmas parade can invoke multiple feelings, this time of year is different from everyone. This Christmas parade could be sad, happy, nerve racking, and even exciting depending on their role in the parade.  

 “With this being the first parade I’m in charge of, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Nervous because I was not fully sure what to expect and excited that I get to help put on this event for the community,” Smith said.

   Nixas 67th annual Christmas parade theme is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree on Sunday, December 5th. The parade is filled with different organizations, schools, and churches throwing candy, dancing, and performing.

“The parade has a mix of local businesses/ organizations, schools, and churches. This year we had a total of 80 organizations registered for the parade,” Smith said.