Jackson County's Ansley Dawson to Lead Newport's Christmas Parade as Grand Marshal

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that Ansley Dawson will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Newport Christmas Parade. Dawson, the 2024 Miss Arkansas Rice Festival Queen representing the Arkansas Rice Festival, was crowned the 88^th International Rice Festival Queen last month in Crowley, Louisiana—making only the second time in history that an Arkansan has brought home the international title.

Her achievement shines a well-deserved spotlight on the heart of Arkansas rice country.

“The upcoming year is filled with exciting events and opportunities,” said Dawson. “This is truly a blessing, and I am deeply grateful for the honor.”

A Grubbs native and 2023 graduate of the Jackson County School District, Dawson attended Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould before transferring to Arkansas State University-Beebe, where she is pursuing her undergraduate studies as a pre-pharmacy student with plans to enter pharmacy school next year.

The Chamber says Dawson’s selection as grand marshal honors not only her accomplishments but also her deep Jackson County roots and enthusiasm for representing Arkansas’ agricultural heritage.

“Ansley embodies the spirit of Newport—hardworking and full of heart,” said Julie Allen, Chamber director. “We are thrilled to have her leading this year’s parade and we celebrate all that she has accomplished.”

The Newport Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 11 and will travel along Malcolm Avenue from Highway 69 to the Village Mall. For more information, call 870-523-3618 or enter the parade by clicking HERE.