The 2025 “Miracle on Main Street” Christmas in the Pines Parade was held on Saturday, November 29th, in the Town of Jonesboro, with Wilda Smith serving as Grand Marshal.

In an effort to express her feelings of appreciation and gratitude, the longtime Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Director issued the following statement. 

What an exciting and wonderful day!

The coffee was outstanding—thank you to everyone who contributed refreshments and to our hostesses who served and took such great care of everything. The parade was truly exciting! It was so much fun seeing the crowds lining the route, waving and cheering, and hearing shouts of “Hey, Miss Wilda!” What A joy. Thanks, Gary Morris for providing the convertible.

God was so very good to us—no rain, beautiful weather, a great parade, and gorgeous fireworks. The comments and laughter at the coffee made the morning even more special, and I think we can all agree that Debra and Mary deserve a contract for a comedy show—they kept us entertained!

A huge thank-you to the Jonesboro Police Department, the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department, the Town of Jonesboro, Mayor Harris, Warren Bradley, Josh Richmond, and all the groups who worked so hard with the lights and along the streets. It truly takes many hands to make a celebration like this successful.

And what makes it all so meaningful are you, the spectators, and everyone who participated in the parade with your beautiful floats, decorated vehicles, and entries. I cannot thank you enough for making this a day I will always remember.

The Santa float was spectacular, completely rebuilt by our Chamber members and board members, and of course, Santa did a fantastic job on his sleigh as always! Special thanks to Sheryl and Eric for their leadership and dedication in preparing for this day, and to all the board members who worked alongside them. We missed Kim and pray for her continued recovery.

May God bless each of you with a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season.

Wilda Smith