Walking down High Street on Saturday afternoon, there was no mistaking that the holidays had arrived in Jefferson City.
The 75th annual Jefferson City Jaycees Christmas parade brought many area families downtown Saturday, huddled under layers and some covered in blankets, all ready to enjoy all that comes with this time of year.
This year's parade theme was the "most beautiful small town Christmas," which sought to further celebrate the city's title as the most beautiful small town in the nation, as proclaimed by mapmaker Rand McNally last year. City and county organizations, as well as private groups and businesses, all seemed present in the parade, from elected officials to area schools. Floats were adorned with Christmas lights as those walking either threw or passed out candy to waiting children.
Organizations in commercial and non-commercial categories received recognition for their floats, including first place winners Central Bank and Nichols Career Center FFA. The Blair Oaks Falcons also received praise at the annual event for best high school band.
Matt Klumper said he comes to the parade every year with his wife, Jackie, and their two daughters, 4-year-old Emma and 2-year-old Haddie.
"We love it," Klumper said. "It's something we don't get to do very often."
Klumper said he particularly enjoys the Christmas lights, but of course his girls primarily come for the candy. As Emma and Haddie scrambled for some being thrown their way, Klumper said next year they'd bring their newest addition to the family expected in January.
Mandi Moore said she usually tries to come to the annual parade with her family. Her sons, 6-year-old twins Luke and Wyatt, were on the lookout for candy, while Moore sat on the curb holding her 8-month-old son Jax, who smiled as floats went by.
Moore said she loves the bands that play in the parade and her favorite is the Lincoln University marching band. She then noted her children prefer another aspect to the holiday tradition.
"And then we come for the candy, of course," Moore said, turning toward her sons as they tried to grab candy being thrown from the floats.