Text and photos by Joel Phelps/The Arkadelphian

Scores of spectators lined the storefronts of downtown Arkadelphia on a chilly Thursday evening to take in the 2022 Christmas Parade. Parade committee member Roger Wingfield said approximately 65 entries — floats, walking groups, marching bands, tractors and vehicles — participated in the parade. The winners, he added, will be announced on Friday.

Following the parade, the public was invited to take part in a new interactive feature titled Prancer’s Plaza in the Mural Lot. Mayor Scott Byrd welcomed a large crowd of event-goers before the Chamber of Commerce unveiled the walk-through “storefronts”, and South Central Connect lit up its Christmas light feature, which includes a 30-foot Christmas tree and an archway connecting the plaza to Town Hall.

Prancer’s Plaza will remain open nightly from 5-9 p.m. throughout December.

Santa Claus is coming to town on Thursday, December 15. Santa and his helpers will be set up in Prancer’s Plaza starting at 5 p.m. for photos. While waiting to meet Santa, area residents can enjoy a holiday-themed movie. City officials will be showing “Elf” starting at 5:30 p.m. Those in attendance are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the movie showing. 

Yule Love Christmas in Arkadelphia is set to make this holiday season in Arkadelphia unlike any before. City officials hope their partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Arkadelphia organization will make Arkadelphia the “Christmas Capital of Southwest Arkansas.”