Each year the parade committee selects a local person that embodies the heart, spirit, and openness of the Christmas season and gives them the honor of beginning the annual celebration by blowing the whistle that begins a celebration of true joy. Though normally an elementary school child, the committee recognizes that very select, special individuals remain a child of wonder throughout their entire life and have the unique ability to possess within their being the very reason we celebrate this magnificent time of year. To honor that special spirit, the committee bestows upon them the title of Official Parade Starter.
Here is a list of the past Official Parade Starters:
2024 – Rollins Maddox
2023 – Sophia Westerfield, Local 2nd Grader
2022 – Lila and Ollie Adams, Owensboro Catholic K-3 Campus
2019 – Isabella Paige Watts, Audubon Elementary School
2018 – Reese Boswell, Meadow Lands Elementary School
2017 – Peyton Penrod, Owensboro Middle School
2016 – Ella, Aiden, and Reese Johnston
2015 – Myla Dennis, Maximilian Montessori Academy
2014 – Samantha Phillips, Daviess County Middle School
2012 – Butch Freels, Wendall Foster Campus
2011 – Caroline Boarman, Southern Oaks Elementary School
2010 – Boston Parisi, Maximilian Montessori Academy
2009 – Kayla Mattingly, Majesty Academy
2008 – Matthew Caldwell, Owensboro Catholic 4-6 Center
2007 – Will Sims, Sorgho Elementary School
2006 – Kylasa Martindale, Cravens Elementary School
2005 – Kayelyn Kuphal, Highland Elementary School
2004 – Tre Coates, Audubon Elementary School
2003 – Krystyn Church & Kiefer Church, South Hancock County Elementary School