Mississippi State Hospital’s annual Christmas Parade will roll through campus on Friday, December 4, at 10:00 a.m. This year’s theme, “Songs of Christmas,” will bring favorite holiday tunes to life through creatively decorated floats celebrating the music of the season.
Hospital departments and units have selected Christmas songs as inspiration for their floats. Parade entries will feature holiday favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Silver Bells,” along with other classics including “Hard Candy Christmas,” “The Chipmunks Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and “Mele Kalikimaka.”
Participants will compete for four awards recognizing creativity, appearance and holiday spirit. The Christmas Classic Award will recognize the entry that best represents the parade theme and visually illustrates its selected song. The Holiday Spirit Award will honor the entry with the most enthusiastic participants, while A Very Merry Masterpiece Award will recognize an outstanding entry from a non-patient unit. The Caroling Award will be presented for best overall creativity, appearance and originality. Each award includes a $100 prize.
In addition to decorated floats, the parade will feature classic cars and four-wheelers. Marching bands from area schools are also expected to participate, adding to the sights and sounds of the annual celebration.
The Christmas Parade is a longtime MSH tradition that brings patients, residents, employees and invited guests together to celebrate the holiday season.