Bringing Community Together for the Holidays

Henderson Merchant’s Christmas Parade 

Henderson, Kentucky’s Christmas parade has a long and storied history, but attendees have always stated that it has been a fun, vibrant event for families and citizens of all ages. There are reports the Christmas parade started as far back as 1921, although we know for a fact it has been around since 1951. In 1951, the parade attracted over 20,000 viewers, a record number of attendees for the early years of the event. Last year in 2024, it was estimated the attendance was the highest it has been in the 21st century in our small town. Credits are due to the Shriners organizations, both out of Evansville (Hadi Shriners) and out of Madisonville (Rizpah Shriners). 

Ethans Evans, member of the Rizpah Shriners and head chairmen of the parade committee since 2003, had much to say about what it means to bring the parade to Henderson each year. Ethan stated he has been involved in the parade planning since 2001 where he learned from his mentor Howard Peacock, who had been running the parade for many years prior. Before that, Harry Felty served as parade chairmen with help from his wife, Charlotte. The Henderson Merchant’s Christmas parade has evolved from something the downtown merchants put on each year to a full production by the Shriners, who took over in the 1970s. 

“Willing participants and people who are willing to put what they can into it are the reason that this parade is successful,” Ethan expressed. “It’s the one day to shine for the fire departments, some local businesses, banks, and especially the school system. The schools have become the biggest participants.” Many clubs and organizations at the high school, middle schools, and even elementary schools have made the parade a passion project, with many designing floats, costumes, and more for audience enjoyment. “Dr. Bob Lawson has really pushed them to be involved in the community and there’s been a big shift where the schools do the most,” Ethan stated. 

Ethan discussed some of the difficulties of putting on the parade each year. “It’s mostly the old ones that are involved. No one young has really wanted to do it or take over, so it’s been up to us. Since I’ve taken over, we probably had about 25 people that used to help and now there are only about 10 or 11. With the internet, it has been helpful to divvy things up easier. My wife [Shauna Evans] has access to the kings and queens of the school system, so I couldn’t do it without her. I have some family and friends that help out, too. It’s been hard to be consistent, and I don’t think it’s going to grow much more without some new people and ideas.”

Ethan expressed much interest in getting younger people and groups to get involved to help with parade planning. “It really needs to be one of these groups that are thriving to take over. It would be great to hear from some new people that might be interested.” If anyone is interested in helping with the parade, Ethan said they can contact the Hadi Shriners or Rizpah Shriners Facebook pages. 

When asked about the large crowd last year, Ethan believes that the people are recovering from the era of COVID and are wanting to get back to regular life. He stated that it has been touch and go since 2020, so it was refreshing to see so many people start to come out again to enjoy themselves. “We’re trying to be consistent again on the first Saturday of December at 10:00am. We’ve only had two of them that have had to be canceled, and we try our best to put it on each year.” Ethan admitted that much goes into the parade planning, including safety considerations, permit gathering, communication with everyone involved, advertising, and much more. These aspects make it all the more impressive that the parade has been so consistent for so long. Despite all this planning, Ethan expressed he never gets to see the crowd because of his involvement. “I never make it past the train bridge,” he exclaimed. The crowd will have to cheer extra loud to let Ethan know they are there. 

The Henderson parade used to be the first parade to start off the year in the Western Kentucky/Southern Indiana area, but Ethan now believes there might be a couple of parades out there that start right after Thanksgiving. Much goes into the planning of the parade, he stated, and it couldn’t be done without the Hadi Shriners out of Evansville. Ethan stated that there are actually more Hadi Shriners involved in the parade planning than Rizpah Shriners. Our Indiana neighbors deserve a big shoutout for helping so much to make it a special event!  

According to the Shriners International website, “Shriners are a fraternity of men committed to making an even greater difference in the world through brotherhood, family, fun and philanthropy.” Ethan said the Shriners participate in many local events and charitable activities throughout the year along with putting on the parade.

The parade chairman wanted to give a special shout out to James Woodard, another Shriner member. “He’s been the backbone for a lot of my time planning the parade and he’s been instrumental in planning. He’s a behind-the-scenes kind of guy so he doesn’t like much recognition,” Ethan laughed, “But he deserves it. I also have to give a shout out to my wife, Shauna, for doing so much to help me.” Ethan’s children, Sierra and Colton, also help with the parade and he is grateful for them for giving back to the community. 

The 2025 parade is expected to gather another large crowd, and we are all hoping for good weather. “There’s a unit in there for everybody, so come on out,” Ethan encouraged. Thank you to Ethan Evans, his family, the Shriners, and everyone involved with the parade for helping Henderson make cherished memories and magical holiday experiences!