Bonne Terre parade kicks off holiday season right

By TERESA RESSEL
Daily Journal Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Updated: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 12:55 PM CST

BONNE TERRE — Dan Reiter walked all over town Monday night warning people not to get run over by crazy-driving reindeer.

One of the last entries in the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Monday night, the chiropractor was dressed as the grandma who got ran over by a reindeer. He was being followed closely by a crazy driver.

This year, the theme of the parade was “Christmas Carols Come Alive” and there were many new businesses and groups who braved 20-degree weather to celebrate the holidays with their version of the theme.

One participant spent the whole parade sitting in a portable toilet. He was at the end of All Star Septic and Pump’s float. A person in Miss Kristen’s Learning Center’s float peaked out of a wrapped box. There were children dressed as Jingle Bells.

Children from St. Joseph School in Bonne Terre held up toothbrushes for their “Two Front Teeth” float. Some participants like Potosi Pentecostal Church members sang.

Many complained about the cold weather long before the parade started.

“I can’t feel my feet, First Sergeant!” Kim Roberts, a member of the Fredericktown JROTC, said about 45 minutes before the parade started.

“It ain’t cold enough,” a boy chimed in.

Holly Endicott was excited because it was the first time she was participating in the parade but she said it was cold. “I might have icicles by the end of the parade,” she said.

Members of the JROTC kept warm by jumping up and down and using hand warmers.

Near the fire department, Byron Hammond and his family drank hot cocoa to keep warm while standing on the sidewalk.

On Division Street, Greg Tyree’s children had good seats to see the parade on top of his truck. Their parents were content in the heated truck.

The Farrell family kept warm in front of their house on Main Street with hot cocoa and a fire going.

As a group of Cub Scouts passed the judges in front of the Chamber of Commerce office, an adult asked if there was a prize for the most kids frozen.

There were about 65 entries in the parade, chairperson Carolyn Kaeser said. About 20 of those entries were judged.

Clay Electric with their “Let It Snow. Let It Snow. Let It Snow” theme took first place in the float contest.

First State Community Bank, which was the first float in the parade line-up, took second with their “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” float.

Cantwell Baptist Church, also one of the first in the parade line-up, placed third with their Frosty the Snowman float.

Unico Bank placed fourth. They had an inflatable Santa on a Polar Bear.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 563 of Desloge dressed as bells for their Jingle Bell Float. They placed fifth.

While the parade started almost 30 minutes later, Chamber members described the parade as “successful” and “wonderful.”

Kaeser said she appreciates everyone who participated and attended. She said she looks forward to seeing them next year for the 30th annual parade.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.

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