For the first time in memory, there will be no Christmas parade in Blytheville.
The ice hadn't melted enough to have the parade Monday, the scheduled make-up day for the event, which was originally planned for last Friday.
The winter storm foiled both attempts for the parade down Main Street, and it appears there is no other suitable date to have it this year.
That's a shame because the event has become a staple of the local Christmas season.
Most every year, several blocks of Main Street are lined with folks enjoying all the different floats and perhaps a hot chocolate or coffee.
I know my little ones have particularly enjoyed catching candy and seeing Santa wave and wish everyone a "Merry Christmas."
The loud sirens are a bit much at times, but the parade wouldn't be the same without them either.
I've always enjoyed watching the different marching bands play and seeing how creative the participants are with the floats.
The parade really gets one in the Christmas spirit and brings the community together for an evening.
It's one of those programs of the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce that gets taken for granted at times.
Maybe the parade will make a return next year, bigger and better than ever. But it's disappointing organizers weren't able to work around the inclement weather this year.
------
Certainly, there are still plenty of events locally to get one in the Christmas spirit.
Many local churches have Christmas programs on the Reason for the Season -- the birth of Jesus.
Then, there's the nightly Lights of the Delta, which could put Ebenezer Scrooge in the Christmas mood.
Another option is Osceola First Baptist Church's annual production of "Living Bethlehem: In the First Light," which will be Friday-Sunday. Tours will begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue every 20 minutes until 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
For the little ones, there are several opportunities to have their pictures taken with Santa.
Ol' Saint Nick can be found at Lights of the Delta several nights a week. He'll be at Bethany Baptist Church in Gosnell from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, readying to take pictures with the good boys and girls.
Also, "Santa Steve" (Southard) has been visiting different venues during the Christmas season for donations to the Ignite "Boxes of Love" program.
For those interested in music, there are several opportunities to hear local choirs. One Christmas concert, ANC's "The Festival of Lessons and Carols," has been rescheduled for at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church (extended musical prelude begins at 2:30). Also, the Navy Band Mid-South will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at The Ritz Civic Center in Blytheville. Blytheville Public Schools will host symphonic band Christmas concerts on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Blytheville Primary School and Blytheville Elementary School.
There may be other Christmas concerts as well.
------
Counting today, there are only 13 more shopping days until Christmas. It's hard to believe how quickly Christmas Day is approaching. I've learned the hard way not to wait until Christmas Eve to buy presents. All the other procrastinators can have Walmart all to themselves that night. Good luck finding a shopping cart if you're one of them.
------
We may or may not get a white Christmas, but we've certainly had a white Christmas season. Unfortunately, the white has been more ice and sleet than snow.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com