For many, the city of Pine Bluff’s annual Christmas Parade never gets old.
Much of Main Street Pine Bluff north of Sixth Avenue is still under (re)construction due to the Streetscape project, but that didn’t stop the dozens of floats from entertaining locals of all ages who weathered the dipping temperatures and lined Main Street from Sixth to 10th avenues Tuesday night for the yearly tradition.
“To see the kids, yes,” Vanessa Truhett said.
The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff band commonly known as M4, brought holiday standards such as Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” M4 is the main attraction for Truhett, who’s attended many Pine Bluff Christmas Parades with her family.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“I haven’t seen them yet, but I love their band,” Truhett said a few minutes into the parade.
Otis and LaQuita Wilson’s son plays the snare drum in M4.
“We’re really out here to see him, but any time we can have family time is always a good time,” Wilson said. “I love Christmas lights as well.”
Floats from Corvettes to fire engines had plenty of them, some to light up sleighs and trees, just in time for what LaQuita Wilson calls her favorite season.
“I don’t like the cold weather, but Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so I embrace it,” she said.
Elementary and high school bands marched before M4 literally, but followed in their footsteps figuratively, while young dance teams did not let a cold December night freeze their moves.
The parade went by so fast – less than an hour – but was fun while it lasted for Truhett and her family. One of her granddaughters said she scooped up a lot of candy from float riders while another said, “Not enough.”
Two float riders spread holiday cheer through bubbles from the Sahara Shriners’ Christmas float. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
The Grinch from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” brings Whoville to Pine Bluff, rather than steal toys. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
The Main Library in Pine Bluff shines brightly on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Main Street as hundreds watch the Pine Bluff Christmas Parade turn east on Sixth. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Riders on the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County float hoist their first-place trophy from the 2023 Christmas Parade while riding in the 2024 event. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington shares sweet treats with young parade goers. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)