The hearing impaired need not have worried that they would not hear what was going on the night of Dec. 6 at the Maben Christmas Parade as area police cars, area fire trucks, 4-County trucks, Lion’s Club truck, Flora log trucks, tractors, four-wheelers, emergency rescue trucks running sirens, clip-clopping of horses clipping on down the street and high-pitched voices of hundreds of people were socializing with friends, neighbors and total strangers.
Reminiscent of the old days in Maben on Friday night, it was a fun time on Second Avenue as people converged uptown and into the 2-year old Olde Town Bakery, which was dressed to the hilt as it was getting ready for the Christmas Market that Saturday and Sunday, for all kinds of hot stuff to drink and eat as they prepared themselves to watch the parade.
Leading the parade were area policemen with sirens blaring as they escorted Grand Marshal Allen Fulgham up town and then back down the street and then around to MS Hwy. 15 South, waving to the hundreds that lined the street/highway. Fulgham is a lifelong resident of Maben; his working career has always been in the grocery store business. He was chauffeured around the parade by his daughter Melanie Wiggington and his granddaughter Hannah Wiggington.
It was a big time in the old town that night.
We want to personally thank the back-to-back 2A state championship Marching Wolverines band from East Webster High School for coming and entreating the crowd to enjoy the season. A band really sets the tone for a parade.
We want to thank Jesse Yates, band director, for coordinating everything for us. Y’all are a real Class Act. We would like to make a special recognition to Drum Major Joshua Yates. Thanks EWHS. We were blessed to have you in our parade.
There were all kinds of Christmas-decorated moving vehicles carrying folks, pulling wagons or trailers full of kids and singing; a fun time was had by all.
It was great to see the guys on horses, especially Johnthan Banks, our own local football star, prancing around on his horse. Thanks guys.
It was great to see the number of floats sponsored by area churches: Double Springs Baptist Church, Grove Chapel Church and Good Hope Church. If I left out any, I apologize.
We want to recognize all the area fire trucks: Maben, Mathiston, Clarkson, Ackerman, Eupora, Mantee and ByWy. The Mississippi Forestry Commission truck and the fire rescue truck were present also.
We also want to thank three area ladies for giving their time to judge the floats and other participants in the parade: Amy Broadhead, Cindy Cardin and Gwen Shurden. Thank you for your time; I know y’all had a great time.
Winning recognition from the judges are as follows: first – EWHS Marching Band; second – Spirit of Christmas (Jeremiah Gammel); and third – Double Springs Baptist Church.
We thank Mathiston Grand Marshal Jennifer Gazaway (Timmy) for putting in an appearance at the Maben parade. You are an inspiration.
Last but not least: Here Comes Santa Claus plus Mrs. Claus – Tom and Amy Booth – riding on top of a fire truck. This makes a Christmas parade. Thank you for giving your time.
The part I liked best of all was the candy throwing – not that I had time to pick up any for myself.
The Maben public thanks Fire Chief Wayne Yeatman for coordinating this event that gets better and better each year. We thank you.
