The City of Smithville’s very first fire engine will be returning to town for the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6th.
The parade is organized each year by the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department.
Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker says this 1938 Chevrolet fire engine, which was purchased by the city in 1938 remained in service here until it was sold in 1956. “We’ve got Smithville’s very first fire engine that will make an appearance at the parade this year. It’s a 1938 Chevrolet, the first fire engine that the City of Smithville purchased. We located it. The truck is in running condition. They’re going to bring it back for our parade. The city sold it to some gentlemen in Decatur, Tennessee in 1956. That’s when it left Smithville. It’s been away from here for a long time. It’s either been here or there since 1938. They finally got it in running condition and we’re excited to see it come back.”
Chief Parker says this year’s parade promises to be another exciting event and everyone is urged to participate. “The Smithville Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 6th. It will leave from Smithville Elementary School at 1:00 p.m. and come down Congress Boulevard, then turn onto Walnut Street, and go around the public square. The line-up will begin at 11:00 a.m.. We’d like to get all the floats there by that time so we can start getting them lined up. All the kings, queens, and princesses from all the county pageants are invited to come. We would like for you to call one of two numbers, either John Poss at 597-1135 or Jeff Wright at 597-6750 so they can get your name and who you’re representing in the lineup. We hope you will do that the Thursday night before the Christmas Parade to give us time to get the lineup made. Then just be there at Smithville Elementary School Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m. and we’ll get you in the lineup. We’re looking forward to another fantastic parade. We still don’t have the Grand Marshal yet. We’ll be finalizing that in the next week or so. We encourage everybody to come out to see Santa Claus and be a part of the parade. We do encourage all the churches, groups, and businesses to enter. We are awarding a first, second, and third place in the float category. The Smithville Business and Professional Women also sponsor the Spirit Award which goes to the church or civic group that shows the most enthusiasm during the parade”
Meanwhile, the Liberty Christmas Parade will be held Sunday, December 7th starting at 2:00 p.m. The line-up begins at 1:00 p.m. on the west end of town. There will be four categories for prizes and giveaways after the parade. Santa will be riding into town to greet the public and to visit with the children. Santa will also bring his reindeer plus other animals for everyone to enjoy petting so bring your camera or have Santa’s elves take your picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For more information call 615-536-5101.
The Alexandria Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 13th at 2:00 p.m. The line-up begins at 1:00 p.m. on the Jim Curtis Highway or West Main Street. Call for more information at 529-2171.