A Christmas icon that isn't a Leg Lamp

Most Hoosiers locked “A Christmas Story” in their heart a long time ago, and only bring it out to lead off their Christmas movie rotation every year. Set in Ft. Wayne, the iconic movie captures Indiana and is wrapped in nostalgia.

So if you liked the movie, you need to ad Boonville to your must-see Hoosier Christmas travel locations this year and every year. Its Christmas parade seems to be pulled straight from the movie and just happens Indiana’s longest-running parade.

This non-fictional tradition roars to life December 2, 2012 will be its 66th, and it has survived despite frigid temperatures and snowstorms that would’ve caused Washington to think twice about crossing the Delaware.

Started by the Boonville Merchants’ Association and Boonville Jaycees, the community wanted to devise a way to capture the attention of children, and their parents with shopping on their minds. One wonders how such an amazing tradition continues to grow with interest and enthusiasm every year despite its humble beginnings . . . quite the mystery.

“I can’t believe the crowds we had last year,” parade organizer Gary Krick told The Evansville Courier & Press. “It was five or six people deep in some places. It is really a fun parade and of course we do and still throw candy.”

Mystery solved?

MORE INFO:
The Boonville Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. this Sunday Dec. 3 on Locust St. in front of Miller’s Five and Dime.