With 80 parade entries and hundreds of participants, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s “Light Your Way” Christmas Parade, sponsored by Toyota of Terre Haute and Gold Sponsor, Prospect Bank, brought a record crowd for 2023. Reports shared that approximately 18,000 people filled Wabash Avenue from Fifth Street to Ninth Street to enjoy the seventh annual showing of Christmas lights, music and, of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The first parade took place in 2016 and has continued to grow.
John Mace, director of conferences and events at SMWC, heads the event, along with his student interns. Mace was thrilled to see so many people in the community come to support the event. “The Christmas parade is a wonderful Terre Haute event kicking off the holiday season and Miracle on 7th Street,” said Mace.
Student interns, Hayle Leturgez, Lauren Rindone and Isabell Coryea worked diligently to plan the event. Mace shared his appreciation for the interns. “Our interns are always the backbone of planning this community-wide event. It wouldn’t be possible without their efforts,” said Mace.
Judges for the parade were Rick Burger of Duke Energy, Scott Jaeger, representing Toyota of Terre Haute and Tim Sanders, of WTWO. J.T. Jeffries served as MC for the night. It was a night of Christmas cheer. Every year, the parade has three winners: The Most Lights, Most Creative and Best Overall.
The event has grown and features community support from marching bands, local organizations, decorated floats, dancers and honored guests. Entries ranged from dance numbers to bicycles decorated with Christmas lights. As is tradition, the parade concluded with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus processing down Wabash Avenue and wishing everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
