Christmas parades return to Fort Smith, Van Buren Saturday, Dec. 10
This year the dogs get to walk in the parade.
The downtown Fort Smith 2022 Christmas parade on Garrison Avenue is Saturday, Dec. 10 and dogs and walkers are entered.
The parade starts at 3 p.m. in the downtown entertainment district.
The parade is presented by the Bonneville House, Clayton House, and the Fort Smith Museum of History.
Mila Masur, director of the Clayton House, 514 N. 6th Street, said she got involved in the parade last year.
"It's a great way to give back to the community and we enjoyed it," Masur said.
She said retired veterinarian Dr. David Blount had the idea this year to allow dogs in the parade that will walk with people behind the Fort Smith Museum of History float. Clayton House will have a float. Masur said she is excited about the Santa sleigh in the parade this year. She is expecting a larger turnout this year, weather permitting. There was a 50% chance for rain Saturday in the National Weather Service forecast.
"The more the merrier," Masur said. "It's a great parade and since Fort Smith is a small town the parade is like something in a Hallmark movie."
Pancakes with The Grinch starts at 9 a.m. at the River Park events center until 10:30 a.m.
Pups are included in the parade this year as part of a new addition to the festivities.
People and their dogs can join the walking float at the parade. All dogs and their people will follow the Fort Smith Museum of History Float. This will be limited to the first 20 pups registered. All dogs must be "fixed", up to date on their vaccines, and leashed during the parade.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pups.
After the Fort Smith parade at 3 p.m. The Van Buren parade will be at 6 p.m.
The Fort Smith parade was canceled in 2020 but returned in 2021.
Van Buren parade
The Old Town Van Buren Christmas parade is at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 hosted by the merchants association. This year's theme is "Holiday in Whoville."
Main Street in Van Buren will be closed to traffic. The "Whoville" will be on Main Street at 2nd Street with shopping opportunities starting at 10 a.m.
Ozark parade
The Ozark Christmas parade, "A Hillbilly Christmas" will be at 6 p.m. It is sponsored by the Ozark Chamber of Commerce. Ozark is located about 40 miles east of Fort Smith on U.S. 64 in Franklin County just south of Interstate 40.
Christmas parades in Charleston and Paris were Saturday, Dec. 3.
Greenwood Christmas Saturday, Dec. 3
Greenwood's "Christmas Open House is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Scott-Sebastian Regional Library, 18 N. Adair Street in Greenwood. There will be a chance to take pictures with Santa Claus. Darice Augustson will be the harpist.
Gift baskets, handcrafted items, books and T-shirts will be for sale.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Christmas parade is Saturday, Dec. 10 in Fort Smith
