Santa Claus ended a nearly one-hour long parade Friday to the Public Square in downtown Shelbyville by lighting the Christmas tree covering the Julius Joseph Fountain.
The Mistletoe Market and annual holiday parade entertained hundreds on a chilly night with snow on the ground.
“It was unbelievable. It’s crazy how many people came out for this,” said Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson, who assisted Santa with lighting the Christmas tree then escorted him to his house on the west side of the Public Square.
Employees of the City of Shelbyville’s Street Department and the Water Resource Recovery Facility strung all the downtown lights and built the Christmas tree over the downtown fountain.
“The street department and wastewater treatment plant do all the work,” said Furgeson. “Those guys step up every year and it gets better every year. The tree is new again … or old … back again this year and it’s beautiful.
“This is the first year I think we’ve had snow for the Christmas parade and it made for a great night.”
The parade made its way south down Harrison Street into the downtown area just after 7 p.m. The Shelbyville High School marching band performed Christmas music while turning west on to Washington Street.
School and local organizations walked the route along with jeeps and large trucks adorned with holiday lights. Southwestern High School’s marching band also performed as did Twisted Tiara — a local youth rock band.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in downtown Shelbyville on the city fire department’s vintage fire truck. The couple dismounted the truck and made their way through a large crowd anxious for their arrival.
“The amount of people that came out is still shocking to me,” said Furgeson.
Santa stayed after the parade to meet with local children about their Christmas wishes. He will be at his house Fridays and Saturdays up to Christmas from 6 to 9 p.m.
There is no cost to visit Santa. Photos are a $5 cash donation to the Shelbyville Kiwanis organization.
“This is pride in our community,” said Furgeson. “Everybody takes pride in different things. This is one event that brings everybody together no matter who you are or what you do. … Everyone out here is equal tonight and we are all enjoying Santa Claus and the Christmas spirit.”
Located just outside Santa’s house is a mailbox (photo) for children to drop off letters to Santa. Letters deposited by Dec. 14 will receive a response.
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