A storybook stroll: Candy, characters, and a Grinch in custody

The spirit of the season swept through downtown last Sunday evening as the Mount Vernon Annual Holiday Parade returned with this year’s whimsical theme, "Once Upon a Holiday." Inspired by beloved holiday books and stories, the parade brought characters, colors, and community cheer to Main Street that shimmered, despite the brutally cold weather, with the warmth of shared celebration.

The parade began on Howard Street, where spectators, bundled in blankets and heavy coats, lined the sidewalks, braving the cold to catch every moment of the festivities. But even frigid temperatures couldn’t stop the timeless tradition of candy-tossing. As soon as the first handfuls of treats sprinkled across the asphalt, delighted children rushed to the curb, gloves outstretched and cheeks rosy with excitement.

Members of the Mount Vernon Fire Department had the honor of opening the parade. With solemn pride, they carried the flags down Main Street, setting the tone for an evening of community unity. The crisp air and swirling gusts only made the colors of the flags ripple more dramatically as the crowd watched with quiet admiration.

From there, the parade came alive with a lineup as vibrant and imaginative as a holiday storybook itself. The Ohio State University Alumni Band Club of Knox County marched with spirited melodies, while the kids from Auxiliary Creations Baton and Dance dazzled spectators with coordinated twirls. Businesses and organizations brought festive creativity to their floats and decorative vehicles; Park National Bank, CES Credit Union, Beatle’s Auto Repair, and 90.9 FM WNZR Lifeline each adding their own flair.

A crowd favorite, the Knox Community Hospital float, delighted onlookers with classic characters Snoopy and Charlie Brown showing lots of cheer. Behind them rattled a tractor pulling a series of miniature cabooses packed with children waving their tiny cold hands. The Knox County Head Start float earned smiles with its colorful "Welcome to Whoville" display, while the Knox County Horse Park proudly showcased a line of beautiful horses’ clip-clopping gracefully down Main Street. The parade also featured The Red Ryder Express, Cycling Without Age bikes, the Giving Hope Charity bus, and the 100.3 WCLT Hometown Country Station truck.

But no holiday parade would be complete without a touch of mischief, and Mount Vernon’s own green troublemaker did not disappoint. The grumpy old Grinch strutted along the route, delivering mayhem in the form of smelly onions; much to the shrieking amusement of children who had been expecting candy. His antics drew laughs across Howard and Main Streets as parents shook their heads with knowing grins.

Once the final float passed, a wave of spectators made their way toward the town square for the grand finale. Families gathered around the square as Mayor Matt Starr and his granddaughter prepared to press the magical buttons that would illuminate Public Square. With a single touch, thousands of twinkling lights would transform the area into a glittering winter wonderland.

But, of course, the Grinch had one last piece of mischief planned. Sneaking up the sidewalk, he snatched a wrapped present from the display table and stomped on it dramatically, drawing chuckles from the crowd. He made a wild dash toward the buttons, only to be blocked by quick-thinking Lacey Filkins, who shielded the controls with heroic determination. The Grinch bolted around the square, trying to escape, but Officer Ben Fike was faster. In a scene worthy of a holiday comic strip, Officer Fike captured the Grinch, handcuffed him, and escorted him to the police cruiser as the crowd cheered.

With the chaos resolved and the Grinch safely contained, the mayor’s granddaughter pressed the buttons. But when not all the lights came on, the crowd and Mayor Matt Starr couldn’t help but suspect the Grinch had one last trick up his sleeve. Moments later, the square finally erupted in breathtaking sparkle, and the holiday lights illuminated the crowd with a warm, festive glow.

Parade attendee Kale Oswalt, who has attended the celebration for 17 years, summed up the evening best: ‘The parade is a time to set aside what we believe in as we all get together as a community to celebrate the occasion.’

As families lingered beneath the glowing lights, sharing laughter and enjoying the festive sights, Mount Vernon seemed to step right into its own holiday story; one with a happy, heartwarming ending, where even the Grinch couldn’t spoil the joy of togetherness.