BY MELANIE BUCK –
Mena’s largest parade, the Christmas Parade, has been selected as 1 of only 15 holiday events as a stop for Arkansas’ New Holiday Hog! The highly anticipated Mena Christmas Parade is sponsored annually by the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce.
Paula Bailey, Executive Director of the Chamber, is responsible for recruiting the new Holiday Hog Mascot from Arkansas Parks and Tourism. Bailey stated, “He’s new from the state, they are trying to grow him into an icon for holiday lights brochure. He’s only making 15 appearances across the state, three of those in the southwest corner, so it’s really special that he’s coming to Mena. We’re very excited to have him with us and joining the parade.”
“Christmas in the Ouachitas” is the theme of this year’s parade that will be led by the 2014 Grand Marshall Gar Eisele.
He will be available prior to the parade at the Armory for pictures. Since he’s a new state mascot, he also needs a name. Citizens across the state are encourage to submit there choice name for the icon. You can submit suggestions by visiting Arkansas Parks and Tourism’s Facebook page, use the hashtag: #namearhog. You can also visit the Arkansas.com/trailofholidaylights page or look for the Holiday Hog’s Facebook page, as well. After the parade, the Holiday Hog head to the park and join the festivities there as well.
The Chamber is also excited to announce the Mena Marching Band, 8-12 grades, and the Cossatot River High School Band, 9-12 grades, will be joining together in the parade. The CRHS band has not marched before, however, by the two schools coming together, each brings their own talent and the two forces are teaching one another for a combined experience that the parade has never seen. They may have learned the music separately, but are marching together.
Bailey said she’s not sure how many floats will enter this year but, with over 50 entries last year, she’s hopeful, “We’re really looking forward to having an even bigger parade this year.”
The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. The parade will start at Mena and Church Streets and will move south to Oak Street, turning right on DeQueen Street, left on Hwy. 71, then right on 7th Street, ending at Janssen Park.
First, second, and third place awards will be given in these categories: Best of Show; Best Theme Representation – Christmas in the Ouachitas; and Chamber Favorite – A chamber member’s float that is not a board member.
Winners will be announced at the Christmas Festival following the parade during ceremonies in Janssen Park.
Santa will be at the conclusion of the parade. Be sure to follow him to Janssen Park for the annual Festival Park Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks Display.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
More Stories
Food Friday fundraisers
Application period opens for Arkansas Heritage Grants
Jordan’s Way fundraiser returning to HSO