By Emily Younker
eyounker@joplinglobe.com
Bundled up and sitting in front of Spiva Park on Tuesday night, 6-year-old Avery Braker was waiting for one special person in the Joplin Christmas parade.
“I want to see Santa because I like him,” he said.
Braker wasn’t the only one. Main Street was lined with people for the annual parade that featured more than 100 entries, including school marching bands and several churches and businesses.
Erin Braker, of Joplin, brought her sons, Avery and Jace, 12, to support big sister Katie Earll, who was marching with East Middle School.
Braker, who has attended the parade for at least the past nine years, said she looks forward to sharing it with her children.
“I definitely like to see kids’ faces when the floats come down,” Braker said. “I like to see Joplin area businesses coming together and making the parade a huge, exciting event.”
Mona Alexander, of Seneca, was almost camped out on Main with blankets and a small space heater, waiting for her granddaughter, Casey Johnson, to pass by on a youth cheerleading float. With her was Casey’s brother, Drew Johnson, who said he was particularly excited for the candy pitched from the floats.
Alexander said she has attended the parade for most of her life.
“This is something my parents and grandparents used to gather up and go to,” she said. “It’s a big deal, and it’s a nice tradition to pass on to the kids.”
Curtis Riggs, of Joplin, brought his family to the parade to get into the holiday spirit.
“We come out here every year,” Riggs said. “It’s kind of a tradition. Anything for the Christmas spirit.”
He said his daughters, Madison, 4, and Abby, 2, would likely enjoy the candy the most.
“Actually, this year, they’re scared of Santa Claus,” he said.
Mary Hamlin, of Carl Junction, said she has been to more than 50 Christmas parades in Joplin over the years. For a few years during the 1940s, her father even played the role of Santa Claus, she said.
Hamlin’s daughter, Barri McPheron, of Joplin, also said she has attended the parade yearly since she was a child. She said she remembers riding with Santa on a parade float as a little girl.
“We’re here every year,” said McPheron, whose two sons were with her. “I think it just starts the Christmas season. I enjoy watching the kids enjoy it.”
For Hamlin, Tuesday night was also a chance to see the revitalization efforts in downtown Joplin.
“Even without the Christmas decorations, they have really done a lot to Main Street,” she said. “It’s clean-looking; it looks like someplace you’d want to live in. The Christmas decorations just add to that.”
The parade was moved back to Tuesday night this year after being held on Saturdays for the past few years.
The Joplin Jaycees, who sponsor the parade, said they made the switch to avoid a scheduling conflict with school events this Saturday.
Reaction from parade-goers was mixed. McPheron said she prefers Tuesday night for the parade.
“I didn’t like it on Saturday because nobody was in the parade,” she said. “Weekends are busy enough as it is. I’m glad it’s back (on Tuesday).”
Robin Dering, of Joplin, said a Saturday parade worked better for her. She typically works until 5 p.m. on weekdays and felt rushed to get to the parade early enough to stake out a good spot along the street, she said.
Barbara Boles, who was passing out hot chocolate in Quest Church on Main Street, said the night of the parade doesn’t matter to her.
“If it’s Christmas, I’m there,” she said.
Winners
The 39th annual Joplin Jaycees Christmas parade winners. All received a plaque of recognition.
Best corporate float — Downstream Casino Resort.
Best church float — Grace Baptist Church.
Best Boy Scout entry — Cub Scout Pack 47.
Best military entry — Col. Travis Hoover composite squadron.
Best equestrian entry — Hairbenders.
Best twirlers acrobatic group — The Flip Shop.
Best novelty (nonwalking) entry — Cycle Connection.
Best novelty (walking) entry — Joplin Youth Cheerleading.
Best community entry — Joplin Humane Society.
Best band — Webb City High School.
Best theme — New Creation Evangelical Church.
Best construction — Good Will Builders.
Best lighting — Arvest Bank.
Best animation — Peace Lutheran Church.
Best sound — Quest Church.
