Gravette celebrates with ‘Merry and Bright’ parade

GRAVETTE — Although the ongoing covid pandemic prompted the cancellation of many area parades and other holiday events, Gravette residents carried on their annual Christmas tradition with a “Merry and Bright” themed parade.

Parade participants followed the same route as the Gravette Day parade and wound their way through several residential neighborhoods so many residents were able to enjoy the gaily decorated floats.

Gravette police and fire vehicles led off the parade with lights flashing and sirens sounding. Fellow firefighters from the Sulphur Springs and Maysville fire departments came to join in the festivities and all the Christmasy red fire trucks fit right into the holiday color scheme. The Northwest Health ambulance also joined the other emergency vehicles.

The number of parade entries was down this year, but those who did participate were decked out with bright lights and glittery tinsel to carry out the theme. The popular high school marching band was unable to participate since walking entries were not permitted, but some of the fire trucks and other entries provided musical entertainment with recorded holiday carols. Members of the Lions Club played and sang seasonal tunes as they traveled along.

There were only a few business entries this year. The Grand Savings Bank “Radio Flyer” float, featuring an elf riding his ATV past a brightly lit Christmas tree surrounded by gifts, won the trophy for most festive entry. A Standard Materials Group concrete truck, with a wreath on the front grille and its cab, hood and mixer outlined with lights, provided a cheery note. Two riders greeted the crowd in a snazzy little red race car emblazoned with stickers.

Area beauty queens of all ages entered the parade. Miss Gravette Kinsley Hurtt and Miss Teen Gravette Hayle Vestal rode together and Gravette royalty Teen Miss Harvest Keeli Moore, PreTeen Miss Harvest Grace Finley and Miss Harvest Kaitlyn Loyd rode in a bright orange convertible, throwing out peppermints and wishing “Merry Christmas” to spectators as they traveled along. Clara Kate Edwards, Little Miss Boston Mountains and Miss Benton County Tiny Tot, participated, and winners from the Benton County Fair Pageant rode on another float.

Lions Club members, focusing on their community projects, strung a row of stockings on their festive float with the message “Lions Serve.” The float, with tinsel garlands, a tree and lion mascot, won the trophy for best use of theme. The Tad Beccard family rode in a brightly lit station wagon fashioned after the vehicle in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” transporting their decorated tree home. The senior high cheerleaders donned antlers, Santa hats and necklaces of Christmas lights and waved to the crowd.

Jason Curtis, driving a brightly decorated troop transport vehicle flying several colorful flags, traveled near the end of the parade. He won the trophy for best use of lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus brought up the rear. Riding atop Gravette Fire Department’s big ladder truck, they waved to all as they passed by and concluded the evening with a resounding, “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!”

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) The Grand Savings Bank “Radio Flyer” float, featuring an elf riding his ATV past a brightly decorated Christmas tree, won the trophy for most festive float in the Gravette Day parade. It was one of only a few business entries this year.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) The Gravette Lions Club float, with lighted garlands, tree and stockings proclaiming “Lions Serve,” won the trophy for best use of theme. Pictured are club Lion tamer Bill Mattler, president Linda Damron, treasurer Jeff Davis and member Melissa Williams.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) Winners in various age groups at the Benton County Fair pageant rode on one of the floats in the Gravette Christmas parade. Miss Gravette, Miss Teen Gravette, queen winners and Miss Benton County Tiny Tot also participated.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) Members of the Gravette High School senior cheerleading squad donned antlers, Santa hats and necklaces fashioned of lights and waved to the crowd as they rode along the parade route. The high school band was unable to participate this year.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) Two riders in a snazzy little red roadster wave to the crowd as they drive down Main Street during Gravette’s Christmas parade. The unidentified riders added much to the festive spirit with the brightly colored Christmas red vehicle.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) Teen Miss Harvest Keeli Moore, Preteen Miss Harvest Grace Finley and Miss Harvest Kaitlyn Loyd rode in a bright orange Ford convertible. The harvest queens waved to the crowd and threw out peppermint candy to passersby as they rode along.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) Jason Curtis, driving his big Army transport truck, won the trophy for entry with the best use of lights in the Christmas parade. The truck, flying several colorful flags, was festooned with a wreath on the front grille and lights interlaced alongside the bed.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) Clara Kate Edwards, winner of the titles 2020 Miss Boston Mountains and 2020 Miss Benton County Tiny Tot, waves to the crowd in the Gravette Christmas parade. Several other area beauty queens joined her for the event.

(Courtesy Photo/Mallory Weaver) Miss Gravette Kinsley Hurtt and Miss Teen Gravette Hayle Vestal ride together in the Gravette Christmas parade. The girls, crowned on Gravette Day in August, were joined by several other members of area royalty.