The ESU Christmas star is illuminated Tuesday afternoon atop of Plumb Hall. Giri Nam/The Bulletin.

Emporia State held its annual star lighting ceremony on Tuesday with nearly 40 people in attendance to watch the lighting of the star on top of Plumb Hall. A quartet of Madrigal singers sang Christmas songs throughout the ceremony.

Michael Lane, ESU president, along with children from the Center for Early Childhood Education and Corky the Hornet were present.

Commercial Street filled with people, lights and Christmas music at 7 p.m. for the 32nd annual Community Christmas parade. There were 90 entries in this year’s “Christmas Vacation” themed parade. The theme was inspired by the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

“I have heard of people doing anything from the movie and the RV that’s just covered in lights and a Christmas tree that’s too big on top to Christmas parade floats that have to do with their business or a lot of people are doing Christmas around the world- that’s also been a big theme too,” said Jessica Leeds, public relations coordinator for the Emporia Chamber of Commerce.

The parade was kicked off with a dedication and lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in front of Cable One. Leeds said that area preachers and ministers said prayers and music groups from Emporia High school and Emporia State began the parade.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Vincent Harris, sophomore recreation major. “I mean, I’ve seen real big parades, but this is nice, real nice.”

Churches, schools, individuals, organizations and businesses all participated in this year’s parade. Some people had large decorated floats, others had cars with banners and many people just walked.

Sophomore physical education major Jeremy Walker said his favorite float was the beef stand because it gave out free burgers.

“I love it,” Walker said.

Emporia resident of 30 years Joe Myers said he’s hardly missed any of the Christmas parades since he’s lived here. He said he enjoys seeing the kids and the bands play and that this year’s parade was good because of the weather.

“Oh, I think this is a dandy,” Myers said. “It’s not so darn cold this year.”

The parade aired on Channel 20 for those who were unable to get out and watch. Leeds said that they were expecting about 5,000 people to show up.

“It is one of the largest events here in Emporia, everyone comes out for it,” Leeds said. “I hear people and I talk to people and they say even if it’s snowing, they come out and they freeze just to watch the parade.”

Lauren Walbridge/The Bulletin

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