Greenville comes together for Christmas parade and festival
The annual Greenville Christmas parade and festival was hosted for the second year in a row by the East Wayne County, Missouri Chamber of Commerce on Friday evening December 2. The parade was led by Wayne County Sherriff Dean Finch and followed by the Grand Marshal, Pastor Brenda Henson of Faith Assembly of God Church in Greenville. There were over twenty-five parade entries this year along with the Greenville Jr. High School Marching Bears Band. The first-place trophy went to Baca Construction, second place went to 67 Towing and Rescue and third place went to the Wayne County 4-H.
When the parade was concluded the community made their way to Greenville City Park for the Christmas festival. The park was decorated with over fifty individual sites made up of area businesses, organizations, churches and individuals.
Jason Hill, President of the East Wayne County Chamber, led the opening ceremonies and introduced Pastor Brenda Henson who conducted the ceremonial tree lighting. The park was full of community members to enjoy the evening. Entertainment was provided by Brad O’Dell and Lost Country who performed a wide variety of Christmas songs.
Santa and Mrs. Clause were present (Larry Hill and Leigha Steward) with a long line of little east Wayne Countians anxiously waiting in line to give their Christmas wishes. Each child was given a single variety free toy courtesy of Frankie Mart at Greenville. Other Christmas favorite characters throughout the park included The Grinch and Cindy-Lou-Who (Wes and Charlie Carter), Buddy the Elf (Frank Henderson) and Elsa from “Frozen” (Trinity McDaniel).
Lots of great food was on the fairgrounds. The Patterson Community Center, with volunteers Kelly Smith and Susan Elayer, sold out of chicken and dumplings and chili. Students and parents representing the 2023 Greenville project graduation served funnel cakes and hot dogs. Out of town vendors were also present with a variety of Christmas candies, goodies and decorations.
A poignant highlight of the evening was the live nativity provided by congregants of New Hope General Baptist Church of Silva. Many passed by the nativity, included live animals.
The city pavilion was full of several community organizations and businesses who provided refreshments at no charge. They included Wayne County University of Missouri Extension, Greenville Health Care, the Greenville Jr. Beta Club, Trails Ends Coffee & Café, Wayne County 4-H and Peoples Community Bank.
Aside from the occasional light rainfall, the evening was enjoyed by all and was a great success.
