NAPPANEE — There was definitely a festive feel to the air Saturday evening in Nappanee as record crowds gathered in the town square for the Miracles at Main & Market Christmas parade and celebration.

Generations of grandparents, parents and children came together to watch their loved ones in the parade or just to wave at their neighbors marching down Main Street.

The Escamilla family was among the parade watchers at the corner of Main and Market streets. Luis, his wife Kelly and their two sons Austin and Alex were waiting to see their daughter Ashley, who was a part of the Nappanee Public Library’s American Girls Club. Ashley’s grandparents, Don and Lois Webster, were with them. Austin said he was most looking forward to seeing his sister but his dad cautioned against being in the way when the candy appeared.

The Escamillas were thankful for the warmer than normal temperatures saying the last couple of years the kids were freezing. Luis also said the family is just starting to think about Christmas.

“We’re excited for Thanksgiving coming up — we’re definitely grateful for what we have,” he said.

Mayor Larry Thompson later made the comment that committee members were definitely not overlooking Thanksgiving, but the celebration was held earlier than normal because it was the only date the city could get the laser light show before Christmas.

Sue McCuen was dressed for the occasion in a Santa’s hat. She came to the parade with her 11-year-old granddaughter, K.D. Stutzman. McCuen said they came because it was a kickoff and said it was “good entertainment for free.” Her grandson Harrison was in the parade as part of the First Presbyterian’s pre-school’s “‘bike brigade.” The pre-schoolers were encouraged to decorate their bikes or wagons for the parade.

Leading the parade were Rachel Hochstetler as Mary and Don Helmuth as Joseph, along with Jutson the donkey, followed by the NorthWood High School choir singing Christmas songs.

Several floats from churches and businesses and also one carrying Miss Apple Blossom and her court were in the parade. Llamas from the Elkhart County Llovable Llama Club were wearing Christmas greenery and decorated vests and they stopped and bowed to the crowds of spectators before carrying on.

After the parade the crowd gathered in the library parking lot for cocoa and cookies, a candle lighting ceremony, reading of the Christmas story and a Christmas themed laser light show. People were packed into the lot, spilling out into the streets and alley nearby. Organizers guessed the number to be close to 2,000.

Maegen Duerksen, one of the Miracles at Main & Market committee members, said the crowd was “unbelievable. I can’t even imagine how many are here. Its’ definitely the best turnout. It’s a great night!”

This is the third year for the Miracle at Main & Market celebration. The first year was in 2007, just a few months after the devastating tornado ripped through Nappanee and the community celebrated the miracle that everyone survived.

Duerksen said the goal of the committee was just to celebrate the holidays and make sure everyone had a good time. Committee members made last minute appeals to Chamber members for donations to pay for the laser light show and Duerksen confirmed the goal was met.

After attendees lit candles they sang “Silent Night” together and then Mayor Larry Thompson read the biblical account of the Christmas story from the library steps.

Thompson credited local business owners and committee members who “stepped up and made it happen” and also thanked city employees for their hard work in preparing for the event.

His wife, Linda, is a committee member and said she was “overwhelmed with the response we’ve had. I’m speechless.”

She was also pleased with the practically balmy weather saying, “There are so many more children here this year, too, because it’s not so cold. I’m pleased to see so many people out here and the participation in the parade was wonderful, too.”

Her husband concurred saying, “The crowd speaks for itself. I am so happy for the people of Nappanee, so happy to have this time to shear with friends, to share our faith at this special time in this special place — especially after everything we’ve been through.”