Christmas spirit reigns on Main Street at parade

November 28, 2022 Last Updated: November 27, 2022 10:01 PM Local News

The Butler High School Golden Tornado marching band performs during the Spirit of Christmas Parade in Downtown Butler on Saturday, Nov. 26. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Justin Guido

Everything was lit with twinkling lights, from the horses to the fire trucks to the people and pups, at the Spirit of Christmas parade on Main Street Saturday night.

Bands played and children danced the holiday spirit into the air, as candy rained down from the parade floats created by local organizations.

Amee Calafut, of Butler, said she came to the parade to support her daughter, who was part of the number by SheLor School of Dance.

“I’m going to be so ready for Christmas now,” she said. “This absolutely puts me in the spirit.”

The sidewalk was packed with families and spectators cheering on the Moniteau High School and Butler High School Golden Tornado marching bands, each that brought Christmas classics to the forefront of the show.

Kierra Smith, 15, of Butler, said she was there to support her friends in the band.

“I was already in the holiday spirit — we decorated for Christmas today,” she said. “I really liked (the parade) last year, so I’m here again.”

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Christmas story during the Spirit of Christmas Parade in Downtown Butler on Saturday Nov. 26. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

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Local businesses remained open for the parade-goers, and local charity groups offered hot chocolate or hot dogs to enjoy.

Despite the stilts-walkers, fire twirlers, alpacas and buses decked in Santa gear, Stephanie Rodgers of Butler was most excited for the floats.

“I like watching all the floats. I like seeing what the kids come up with every year,” she said.

The Butler Transit Authority Santa bus makes its way down Main Street in the Spirit of Christmas Parade in downtown Butler on Saturday Nov. 26. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

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Delaney Foster, 8, of Mercer, said she came all the way to Butler with her family to see the parade.

“I’m excited for the dancers, and for Santa,” she said.

A colorful cast of Christmas characters, including Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, and even Jack Skellington made an appearance during the parade, but Santa was welcomed by the crowd with the loudest cheer at the parade’s end.

Big Butler Fair Queen parent winners wave to the crowd during the Spirit of Christmas Parade in Downtown Butler on Saturday, Nov. 26. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Justin Guido

The Grinch gives Karson Weisenstein a high five before the Spirit of Christmas Parade in Downtown Butler on Saturday Nov. 26. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Justin Guido

A lot of candy was tossed out during the Spirit of Christmas Parade in Downtown Butler on Saturday, Nov. 26. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Justin Guido

Members of the Butler Dog Training Association help light up the Main Street night during Butler’s Spirit of Christmas Parade on Saturday. Molly Miller/ Butler Eagle

Holly Gitzenis pushed by her sister as they walk with Peoples Gas during the Spirit of Christmas Parade in Downtown Butler on Saturday Nov. 26. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Justin Guido