Mountain View Christmas Parade

The annual Christmas parade in Mountain View wound through town on the evening of December 19. This year’s theme was “Have a Merry Star-Spangled Christmas,” and many of the participating floats featured stirring patriotic designs. 

In years past, the floats have been judged at the beginning of the parade route during set-up. This year, Isobel Tripp served as emcee as the floats moved past the grandstand set up in front of the Community Center.

“I wanted it to be like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade,” explained Chamber of Commerce Director Gretchen Creighton. Creighton said a special word of thanks to Kayna Willbanks for her help setting up. 

Despite the December weather, crowds lined Front Street in anticipation of the parade. While they waited, many attendees took advantage of the food trucks and booths selling snacks and warm drinks. 

Officer Lisa Noble led the parade in a police cruiser, and the floats began to roll by. The Board of Aldermen were present on the grandstand to judge the contest. At the end of the night, Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast won First Prize, Missouri Home Realty took Second Place, and Spintronix color guard took third place. 

The Missouri Home Realty float featured a special electronic appearance by 1SG MP Murray Anderson, who has been deployed since the summer serving with the military police. His wife, Lawanda “Cricket” Anderson, was walking in the parade and was completely surprised by the loving Christmas message. There were few dry eyes among the spectators who heard Anderson’s message of love and thanks played from the grandstand.