By Mandy McFarland Editor
NAPPANEE — The cold was enough to take the feeling out of your fingers and toes but not out of the atmosphere as Nappanee residents gathered for the second annual Miracles at Main and Market Streets Christmas parade and celebration. The parade kicked off a little after 7 p.m. with a chilly Red Regiment living up to its name, their fingers and noses almost the color of their uniforms as they marched down Main Street. Members of clubs and organizations did not seem to notice the frigid night air, tightly bundled as they rode by on handmade floats. Horses, donkeys, llamas, a camel, a reindeer and other critters marched obediently alongside their owners and handlers. Many of them would later be a part of the live Nativity scene in one of the buggy sheds at the Depot Plaza.

At the Depot Plaza, the crowds clustered around cozy fires to warm fingers and toes. Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson read the Biblical account of the first Christmas, while those gathered held candles and sang along to "Silent Night." Afterward, the Wakarusa Elementary School Younger Generation choir caroled onstage and Dancer the reindeer was on hand for photos with kids and adults.
The town Christmas tree was lit with brightly-colored Christmas bulbs, and a row of smaller trees lined the fence at the plaza's north end with decorations by local preschool and kindergarten students.
Santa and Mrs. Claus rode into town and later met with the little ones to hear their special Christmas wishes and Miracles at Main and Market committee members added to the festivities, dressing in full Charles Dickens-era garb in honor of his popular tale, "A Christmas Carol," which tells the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge.