The light sprinkling of snow that fell over Malvern late Tuesday was just the right touch to get Malvernites in the mood for this year’s annual Christmas parade. The parade is Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7 p.m.
The parade will make its way through downtown Malvern on Main Street, between Malvern High School and Second Street. If arriving in Malvern from Interstate 30, you will be welcomed into downtown with holiday snowman banners hanging from the light posts on the viaduct. Lamp posts on Main Street feature wreaths.
While most Malvern parades start at the high school and end at the courthouse on Second Street, last year’s Christmas parade took the reverse route. No matter which direction the parade moves, a good middle viewing section would be near the intersection of Main Street with Page Avenue.
If you want a good viewing spot, plan to arrive between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. With ample parking available in area parking lots and on side streets, you can stay in your vehicle up until the moment sirens sound to signal the start of the parade.
When you take your place on Main Street’s brick lined sidewalks, be sure to bundle up. The weather will be clear, a welcomed change from the rain and clouds the area had for several days. With clear skies, however, come colder temperatures. The high temperature on Thursday is slated to be in the upper 40s, with a low expected that evening of 28 degrees. Coats, scarves, hats, and gloves will be in order.
The 2010 Christmas parade featured about 35 entries, 31 of which were eligible for the parade float competition. Last year, the Overall Santa Award was presented to Midway Missionary Baptist Church’s youth group for its float. Second place was awarded to Second Baptist Church. Dawson Co-Op and Pleasant Hills 4H tied for third. The Church/Civic organization float honored was by the Malvern 2276 Auxiliary. Sears won the Business Award.
Another special parade-like event will be held Saturday morning, December 10, 2011 in Malvern. Malvern Leopard fans are asked to line up on Main Street to give the high school football team an inspirational send-off on their way to the state playoffs. The team will leave the high school parking lot at 8:30 a.m. for War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The Leopards play Pulaski Academy at noon Saturday in the state championship football game.