Nostalgia in the air at Springfield's Christmas parade

The moment has finally arrived: Santa is just about ready to roll through downtown Springfield as part of the annual Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade.

And there may be a whiff of nostalgia in the air for the jolly old elf.

This year’s parade theme is Silver Bells: It’s Christmas Time in the City, drawing from the classic Bing Crosby tune.

Jeff Kessinger, communications manager for the Downtown Springfield Association, says the idea fuses the classic holiday tune with a more modern concept.

He points to one lyric in particular: “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style …” “One of the things that’s been really big for downtown is walkability, and we love the play of the words of people being dressed up,” Kessinger says. “Make a day of this and stroll around downtown and check out the windows… enjoy the parade and make some memories.”

The windows to which he refers are the storefronts of businesses participating in the Team A.N.A. 417 inaugural Downtown Springfield Window Challenge. A variety of businesses have created elaborate holiday-themed window displays that hark back to downtown’s pre-mall heyday, when Barth’s, Heer’s and more would fill their windows with artistic displays of holiday merchandise.

The winner of this year’s competition — to be announced Saturday — will get a trophy and bragging rights for having the best display. Money raised through the competition will go to benefit the nonprofit, which raises money for those who are battling acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumor, and their loved ones.

“There are about 20 participating,” Kessinger says. “There are so many talented people downtown. We knew they would come through with flying colors.”

Once the parade starts at 2 p.m., there will be plenty more sights and sounds to take in. Kessinger says there are more than 70 entries this year, with a lively mix of old favorites such as Hiland Dairy and the Shriners and new entrants including area cosplay groups. Also making an appearance will be a dozen marching bands, the Kilties, Lassies and Golden Girls.

The parade will be led by this year’s marshal, Mary Kromrey, executive director of Ozark Greenways. And in true greenways spirit, Kromrey will forgo a car and lead the parade atop her bicycle while others cycle along with her.

Folks also have the chance to get in on an abundance of other events before and after the parade while they’re downtown.

“We hope people come down and do some art, see the parade and go on a carriage ride … and get ready for the Christmas spirit. And really, this close to Christmas — we’re only 11 days out — so the excitement is there,” Kessinger says.

Want to go?

What: Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade

When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14

Where: Downtown Springfield, beginning at South Avenue, north to Park Central Square, then east on St. Louis Street to the Springfield Expo Center

Cost: Free

Info: itsalldowntown.com or 417-831-6200

While you’re downtown

The annual Christmas Parade may be the highlight, but there are a slew of other activities going on. Here is a sampling of just some of what’s going on downtown Saturday.

• Free carriage rides will be offered by the Downtown Springfield CID from 6 to 9 p.m. “You’ll get to see all of downtown dressed up,” says Jeff Kessinger, communications manager for the Downtown Springfield Association.
• Springfield Regional Arts Council’s Free Art Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square. Patrons of all ages are welcome to stop by and create a project with provided materials. The event is free. For info, go to www.springfieldarts.org.
• Check out all of the Christmas window displays decked out for the Team A.N.A. 417 inaugural Downtown Springfield Window Challenge. You can get a downloadable map with all locations to ensure you don’t miss one. The winner will be announced Saturday. Proceeds from the event benefit the local nonprofit charity Team A.N.A. 417, which raises money for people with benign brain tumors and their families. Learn more about the nonprofit at www.teamana417.org or go to itsalldowntown.com for more info about the event.
• The 2nd annual Springfield Santa Run is at 8 a.m. at the Discovery Center of Springfield, 438 St. Louis St. This 5K race will be held downtown, welcoming runners, walkers of all ages and their pets. All runners receive a five-piece Santa suit for the race. Registration is $40 at https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/Springfield/SpringfieldSantaRun2018
• Disney's "Frozen Jr.," 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St. Tickets $15 plus $3 processing fee for all ages at 417-869-1334. 
• “A Very Merry Variety Show,” 7:30 p.m., Nathan P Murphy’s, 218 S. Campbell Ave. This event is hailed to be a heart-warming, wacky, offbeat evening of comedy and songs, featuring a parody of the movie “Home Alone.” Admission is $12; dinner option is $7.99. For tickets, go to ticketsales.georgecron.com or call 417-766-3139.
• Moxie Morning for Kids: Pajama Party, 10 a.m., 305 S. Campbell Ave. Free. This event is geared for children ages 2 through 6, but older and younger children are welcome. There will be a selection of short films followed by an activity — and free coffee for the grownups. For info, go to www.moxiecinema.com or call 417-429-0800.
• Festival of Lights Holiday Exhibition, 2 p.m., Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 East Trafficway. See ice skaters of all ages and levels perform in this holiday show. Tickets are $5. Go to jordanvalleyfsc.com or call 417-886-7444.