Ever wonder where can you meet a baseball legend, meet the Grinch, enjoy a parade and get supper for free? Well make plans now to be in hour hometown – Maben on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Maben community members are making a list and checking it twice to plan festivities to usher in the Christmas season on Dec. 2.. The fun begins with open house at 10 a.m.; a reception for the grand marshal from 5-6 p.m.; Christmas Parade at 6:30 with Maben Hot Dogs on Second & Grace Covenants Community Soup and Chili Dinner following the parade – all events are free and the community is encouraged to come and join in the fun.
Local businesses will host open house from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and will feature great seasonal merchandise, refreshments and door prizes. Bring your cameras too – the mischievous and grinchy Grinch will be at the Friendly Florist on Second Avenue beginning at 1 p.m.
In addition to the open house and parade, a new tradition is being started this year with a reception for the grand marshal. The reception will be held from 5-6 p.m. at FJH Realty on Second Avenue.
This year’s grand marshal is Mr. Jim Miles – a true Mississippi baseball legend and Maben resident. Jim played Major League Baseball for seven years with the Washington Senators, where he struck out Mickey Mantle in their only meeting.
He served as the head baseball coach for Northwest Mississippi CC from 1976-97 and as its athletic director for seven seasons. Jim has given his time to encourage our youth to “work hard and play hard and you will achieve your dreams.” Everyone is encouraged to attend the reception to meet and greet our local legend – and get a little something for your stocking – a signed Jim Miles baseball card.
The annual Maben Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on Historic Second Avenue. Lineup begins at 5:30 at the Fire Station. Everyone is encouraged to come and be in the parade – bring your floats, classic cars, trucks, horses, ATVs, tractors and wagons.
Jeep owners are encouraged to come cruise historic Second Avenue too and be a part of the new Maben Christmas Parade Jeep Brigade. Forms are available at City Hall, Fire Station or businesses around town.
Participants can fill out a form ahead of time or be in line by 5:45. Everyone is encouraged to come and participate in the parade. Prizes will be awarded this year thanks to our local sponsors.
We appreciate local businesses Friendly Florist, The Ole City Hall Homemade Gifts, Chrissy K’s, Springer’s Dry Goods, Maben Auto Parts, FJH Realty, Maben Nutrition, Roots, Reclaimed Vintage & Antiques, The General Store, Joe’s Tires and Bells Burgers & BBQ for supporting the festivities.
Be sure to stick around after the parade too – Maben keeps the party rolling with free Hot Dogs on Second Avenue (while they last) and a free Community Soup & Chili Dinner hosted by Grace Covenant Church at 51 Turner St. (next door to NMMC Medical Clinic-Maben).
So make plans to be in Maben – the home of smalltown hospitality and Lindbergh’s Lucky Landing – Saturday, Dec 2. All events are free and the community is encouraged to come and join in the fun.
