santa-and-mrs-claus-roll-into-public-square-on-vintage-shelbyville-fire-department-truck
Santa and Mrs. Claus then set up shop inside his newly-refurbished home on the Public Square and met with children to talk about their holiday wishes.
The Mistletoe Market brought families into downtown Shelbyville at 5 p.m., offering a winter market of items to purchase and food to eat. There also were carriage rides and a Ferris Wheel to add to the occasion.
At just after 7 p.m., the Shelbyville High School marching band led the parade south down Harrison St. into the Public Square and out West Washington St.
Hundreds of families lined the streets while children gobbled up candy and books delivered by parade participants.
Santa and Mrs. Claus rode into town on a vintage Shelbyville Fire Department truck and stopped in front of his house to commence with the lighting ceremony along with Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun, who is kicking off the final month of his 12th and final year at City Hall.
“It’s one of the things I enjoy the most,” said DeBaun after escaping the large crowd that was gathered around Santa’s house. “It’s nice to come out and see everybody have a nice time – everybody is smiling, everybody is happy.
“The downtown presents itself so well. I am really pleased with the turnout. I am really impressed with the decorations that all the city employees did such a nice job on and took such pride in this. I am really pleased with all of it.”
DeBaun announced earlier in 2023 that he would not seek a fourth term as mayor which will bring an end to his three-plus decade career in city government. He spearheaded the downtown renovation project that created more people-friendly space in the Public Square that gets put to full use with an event like the holiday parade.
“(The downtown) is doing exactly what we said it would do with all the events we’ve had like Wine Walk and Brew Fest and the Shelby County Players and the tremendous job they do with the pop-up (performances) … and on and on and on,” said DeBaun. “I am very proud of this.
“In 2019 when I announced that I was making this a campaign platform, I said this was the hill I was willing to die on. And you can see this has been better year after year.”
The holiday celebration was the third with the reconfigured downtown and included more lights, more decorations and a Ferris Wheel.
“Isn’t that awesome!” said DeBaun. “The Ferris Wheel is awesome.”
Once Santa was settled in, DeBaun was anxious to walk down East Washington St. and visit since he was busy passing out cookies and hot chocolate prior to the parade.
Get the most recent Shelby County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to shelbycountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.
Driver injured in Friday crash into a tree
Benefit ride for Alisha Reynolds on October 24
Former Roachdale Town Marshal sentenced to probation
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance announces 2027 summer internship program
Read your FEMA letter carefully
Road closure to impact U.S. 36 in Parke and Putnam counties
South Vermillion to honor fallen mom all season
BMV branches closed for Labor Day weekend
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 near Newport
Riddell National Bank makes new scoreboard reality for Parke Heritage
Riverton Parke to remember fallen player
Rockville man arrested after setting fires
Governor Braun delivers another month of gas savings for Hoosier families
Find a cooling center near you with Indiana 211
2026 Indiana State Fair celebrates Hoosier spirit, summer fun and memories made
State health officials and emergency healthcare providers agree to discontinue routine hospital diversion
Heat Advisory in effect through Thursday evening
USDA offers disaster assistance to Ag producers in Indiana impacted by recent flooding
