By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Santa Visits DeKalb This Week
Parade - Santa 31.jpg
The Grinch can’t steal Christmas, but COVID can halt a Christmas parade. McMinnville’s annual Christmas parade, set for Dec. 12, was canceled by the city board Tuesday night.

Santa Clause is set to have a busy schedule this week with several Christmas celebrations set to take place across the county. The Smithville, Liberty, and Alexandria Christmas Parades are scheduled for this weekend, while the Festival of Trees is scheduled for the following Monday.

The Smithville Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square will be held on the Smithville Square on Saturday, December 4. The Smithville Parade begins at 4:00 P.M. with the line-up beginning at 3:00 P.M. at the New Life Connection Center, 750 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville.

The parade will leave from New Life Connection Center to the Square, with Christmas on the Square beginning immediately afterwards, around 5:00 P.M.

The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber invites everyone to stay after the parade, with activities happening at the Smithville City Hall, DeKalb County Courthouse, Justin Potter Library, and a “Live” Windows Contest at Downtown Businesses.

The Liberty Christmas Parade will be held the following day, Sunday, December 5. The parade will start at 2:00 P.M., with participants lining up at 1:00 P.M. on the west end of West Main Street. First and second place awards will be given for best floats, kids and animal entries, and vintage cars, trucks and tractors. Drawings for cash giveaways will immediately follow the parade.

The Town of Alexandria Christmas parade will be held that same day as a night parade. It will begin at 5:00 P.M. beginning on West Main Street and ending at the Town Square. Line up for the parade will be a 4:00 P.M. There will be prize giveaways immediately following the parade at the Town Square. Participant forms are available at Alexandria Town Hall at 102 High Street or on their website at townofalexandria.us.

The third annual Festival of Trees is set for Monday, December 6, from 5:00-9:00 P.M. at the DeKalb Community Complex sponsored by the Smithville Review. It is a free event, but you are asked to bring a new toy to place under the tree that you would like to win “Tree of the Year.”

All toys will go to Lighthouse Christian Camp’s Outreach Program which serves more than 500 children. To enter a tree, contact Angie at angie@smithvillereview.com, or Complex Director James Hendrixson at 615-597-2121.