Steele and Cooter host annual Christmas parades

Santa was the star of the show on Cooter General Store's float.

On a cool, blustery afternoon in the south county, the City of Cooter hosted its annual Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Later that evening at 6 p.m., the Steele Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Christmas parade, and both events were well attended. The big crowds of people at both events – especially the children – seemed to enjoy themselves immensely.

Little reindeer in the Steele parade may have gotten separated from Santa!

At Cooter, Rodney Neville and all his coworkers and helpers put together an outstanding parade that lasted approximately 40 minutes. Antique cars, floats, walking groups, Cooter Marching Band and Santa were among the highlights.

This year’s judges were Brenda Horton, Peggy Copeland and Dana Swan. After the votes were tallied,

The Bank of Missouri took first place in the float division and Gunnar Pritchett’s Polar Express steamrolled into second place. Best Sleigh went to Billy Hale with his Bart Simpson inflatable hitching a ride in Billy’s antique pickup truck. Jerry’s Mini Mart & Deli grabbed second-place honors. Most Christmas Spirit was awarded to B.E. Athletix, while Anthony’s Martial Arts Academy came in with a solid second- place finish. The Cooter Marching Band was named top band.

At Steele later that evening, even though the temperature dropped after the sun went down, the winds subsided. Although it was cold at parade time, it was by no means too cold for a great Christmas parade in downtown Steele, Missouri.

This year’s master of ceremonies was local Methodist minister, Todd Holman. Todd, who has a radio background, seemed to be the perfect man for the job! Also, as tradition would have it, the Steele

Christmas parade had a Grand Marshal, and this year the honor went to longtime Steele residents

Johnnie and Delana Carter. Providing the car for the Carters was Brad Sanders of Glen Sain.

Working the grandstand as parade judges were Chris Moore, Anessa Davis and Donna Wimberley

Underwood. At the parade’s conclusion, the judges convened to the Steele Rotary Club/Parks Room to tally up their votes. Coming in first place for the second time of the day was The Bank of Missouri’s

nativity scene. Gunnar Pritchett’s and his Polar Express won another second place trophy, and the Girl

Scouts of Steele took home third-place honors. Snagging their second trophy of the day was B.E. Athletix, winning first place in the walkers division. The Elite Twirlers got that second place hardware, and Anthony’s Martial Arts Academy took third, winning their second trophy of the day as well. Taking

home top-band honors was once again Cooter.