Crisp Weather Welcomes Miracles At Main & Market Celebration
NAPPANEE — What started in 2007 as a community rallying together following a devastating tornado has become one of Nappanee’s most anticipated events. On Saturday, Dec. 7, hundreds of people once again lined Main Street to witness the 13th iteration of the now-annual parade. Marching southward through town, the throng eventually made its way to the town’s pavilion to enjoy a short program, cookies and cocoa.
While previous versions of the Miracles at Main & Market Street celebration were marred by bitterly cold weather and snow, this year’s version enjoyed cold but clear weather, which was easily endured with a variety of hats, gloves and warm coats.
In Oct. 2007, a tornado ripped through this southwest Elkhart County community. The inaugural event served as a show of support by the community for families struggling to put their lives back together.
“We are blessed to kick off the holiday season with families in our community each year,” said Allison Stair, chairperson of the celebration ‘s organizational committee.
Following the 30-minute parade, which included the arrival of Santa Claus atop of the city’s shiny red firetrucks, many of the parade’s viewers gathered under the pavilion to hear the New Generation Choir, made up of many young students from the Wa-Nee school district. They also heard Mayor Phil Jenkins read the Christmas story and the annual lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, which this year was harvested from Stauffer Park in Nappanee.