Local Christmas season kicks off with holiday events

From parades to visits by Santa, there is something to help everyone get into the Christmas Spirit

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

The city of West Memphis came alive with holiday cheer over the past two weeks, hosting a series of events that brought the community together to celebrate the season. From tree lightings to parades, visits with Santa, and a heartwarming shopping spree for kids, residents were immersed in the magic of Christmas.

Tree Lighting at Worthington Park

The holiday season officially began, for West Memphis at least, on November 26 as Worthington Park was illuminated in dazzling lights for the annual West Memphis Tree Lighting ceremony. At exactly 6:30 p.m., the crowd cheered as the park’s centerpiece – a towering Christmas tree adorned with twinkling ornaments and bright star toppers – was lit to the sound of “Christmas in Hollis” by Run-D.M.C., a track from the beloved Christmas film, Die Hard.

The festive atmosphere included food vendors, cheerful chatter, a whimsical dusting of fake snow and even a Christmas … dinosaur. Why not?

“This is what Christmas is all about,” said local resident Amy Caldwell, who attended the event with her two children. “It’s magical to see the whole community come together and feel the holiday spirit. This is my favorite time of year. I wasn’t really in the Christmas mood, but now, how can you not be?”

West Memphis Christmas Parade

A week later, the West Memphis Christmas Parade rolled through the city’s streets, drawing large crowds despite the chilly December air. The parade featured over 40 entries, including decorated floats, marching bands, and community groups. Mayor Marco McClendon led the procession on foot, enthusiastically tossing candy to delighted children lining the streets. Participants followed close behind, shouting holiday greetings of “Merry Christmas!” as they marched or drove.

While the parade’s vibrancy was undeniable, it wasn’t without its share of critiques in past years. In response to feedback about the lack of

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Santa was at the tree lighting to hear from all the kids who were “nice” this year.

Photos by Don Wilburn

The figures in the foreground show the immense size of the beautiful Christmas Tree at Worthington Park.

Nicole and her son beat the frigid temperatures and watched the parade from the warmth of their car.

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Christmas music in prior parades, organizers introduced a new rule mandating only festive holiday tunes. Carol Spears, a resident who had voiced her concerns last year, noted the improvement. “This year was so much better,” she said. “Hearing ‘Jingle Bells’ and other Christmas classics really set the tone.”

However, not all were satised. Some attendees complained about the loud motorcycles included in the parade. “It’s just too noisy and doesn’t t the holiday vibe,” grumbled one bystander, “No one likes them. They have to know that. Not today or any day. It’s just loud, annoying and obnoxious. It doesn’t make you look cool, it makes you look stupid.”

Santa at the West Memphis Airport

The magic continued on December 7, as the West Memphis Airport hosted an event where over 300 parents and kids got the chance to meet Santa Claus. From 1 to 3 p.m., children lined up eagerly to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas wishes. Parents captured the moment with photos as the kids excitedly whispered their holiday dreams to Kris Kringle.

Charlie Suiter, an attendee, noted the overwhelming turnout. “It was incredible to see so many families here,” he said. “The only downside was they ran out of cookies and milk because so many showed up. But that’s just a sign of how much the community loves events like this!”

Shop with a Cop

Rounding out the holiday celebrations was the much-anticipated Shop with a Cop event on December 9. A favorite among local families, this event paired nearly 100 children with ofcers from West Memphis, Marion, and the Highway Patrol. Together, they embarked on a shopping spree at Walmart, with each child given $100 to spend on Christmas gifts.

“It’s a highlight of the season for us,” said Police Chief Robbin Campbell, who credited the success of the program to year-round fundraising efforts by the Community Engagement Unit. “We’re supported by donations from local businesses and even our own ofcers. Last year, we raised over $10,000, and this year looks just as promising.”

For those unfamiliar with how Shop with a Cop works, around 60 ofcers meet at the Steudlein Learning Center in West Memphis around 9 a.m. for breakfast and then all head over to Wal-Mart where each ofcer is randomly matched up with a “kid in a kart” usually aged 3 to 5 years old. They then take the little feller shopping, usually with a prepared list by the kids or parents and they are allowed to spend up to $100 on whatever their little hearts desire for Christmas.

Mayor McClendon cheerfully led the Christmas parade as he does every year.

Kevin and Kora Miller hung around after the airport crowds to make sure Santa didn’t miss anything on their lists.

Hannah Dunlap, done sat in Santa’s lap every year since she was a little girl.

Nick Coulter and son enjoying the tree lighting ceremony together.

The only thing rarer than spotting Santa on Christmas is the even more elusive Christmas dino!

Mayor McClendon can be found popping up all around town spreading Christmas cheer.

Photo by City of West Memphis