Festive Holiday Fun in Forsyth

Last weekend was a busy and festive one in Forsyth, including a Christmas concert by the Forsyth Schools Music Department as well as the city’s annual Christmas parade. 

On Sunday, December 14, families and friends gathered at the school district’s performing arts center for an afternoon of Christmas music. Featured groups included the fifth-sixth grade choir, directed by Mrs. Payton Burnett and student director Emily Revere; the seventh-eighth grade choir and high school choir, directed by Mrs. Kendra Maus; and the sixth grade, seventh-eighth grade, and high school bands, directed by Mr. Philip Thomas. Each group presented favorite Christmas classics as well as newer holiday music. 

Following the choir portion of the concert, the fifth-sixth grade group returned to the stage to lead the audience in a holiday sing-along. There was also enthusiastic audience response as both Mrs. Burnett and Mr. Thomas thanked the school administration for their support in rebuilding the school’s choir program, including the addition of Mrs. Maus to the music department; and Mrs. Maus, in turn, shared her enjoyment of working with the students and the potential for the future of Forsyth choirs. 

Following the concert, families enjoyed refreshments while congratulating the students on a great performance. 

The music groups also participated in the annual Forsyth Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and held on Saturday evening, December 13. Along with music, floats by churches and civic groups, and several fire trucks blasting their holiday greetings, there was a full complement of vintage tractors and ATVs, all decked out with holiday lights; and of course, lots of candy! 

For as long as anyone involved could remember, the parade has been held during the afternoon, so the switch to the 6 p.m. start time was new for Forsyth and surrounding area residents. The time change was suggested as part of the community efforts to update holiday lighting, which started with the lighting of the community Christmas tree at City Hall on November 1 as Forsyth kicked off its involvement in the Ozark Mountain Christmas Coalition. 

The time switch seemed to be well-received among those lined up to watch the parade, especially some excited children enjoying the festive lights on floats and vehicles. Other exciting developments are underway as well; stay tuned for details!