Christmas parade well attended
About 500 people were on hand at the Holton Town Square on Saturday evening, Dec. 3, to watch the 15th annual Christmas Parade of Lights. A light drizzly rain started to fall after the Christmas parade was over.
There were several beautifully-lit reglious floats in the parade, thanks to the efforts of our local churches. All were deserving of accolades. Evangel United Methodist Church, Buck’s Grove Church, Soldier Christian Church, United Methodist Church of Holton and New Hope Family Church all were represented in the Parade of Lights.
The New Hope Family Church’s entry was selected to receive the $50 Chamber Bucks prize, donated by The Farmers State Bank.
There were also many local businesses represented in the parade including Mike’s Body Shop, Chiles Upholstery, Minde Trucking, Mick’s Tree Service, Jackson County EMS, The Holton Recorder, Holton Wal-Mart, Denison State Bank (group of carolers), Roush’s Towing, Holton Tire (a truck and three Grasshopper moweres), The Holton Recorder and Banner Creek Animal Hospital.
Banner Creek Animal Hospital’s entry in the parade was selected to receive the $50 Chamber Bucks prize, donated by The Holton Recorder.
Several local elected officials participated in the parade such as Holton Mayor Bob Dieckmann, Jackson County Commissioners Rob Ladner and Janet Zwonitzer, Holton Police Chief Gale Gakle and Sheriff Tim Morse.
The VFW Riders were represented in the parade with several motorccyels as were the Jackson County Democrats, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police, the Netawaka Fire Department (two vehicles), the Holton Fire Department (delivering Santa Claus to the Town Square), the Holton Electric Distribution Department and the Holton Street Department (featuring the new street sweeper).
The Lucky Stars 4-H Club was also represented in the parade and was selected to received the $50 in Chamber Bucks, donated by The Holton National Bank.
Several individuals also participated in the parade by dressing up and lighting up special vehicles such as Judy Olson’s yellow stationwagon and the red Chevy pickup that had been restored by the late Les Olsen.
Ruby (age 4) and Rilley (age 6) also delighted parade watchers by rising their little horses, Topsy and Virginia, in the parade.
After the parade, several families took their children to the first floor courthouse lobby to have their photos taken with Santa Claus.
Winners of the $50 Chamber Bucks prizes should contact the business donating their prize and arrange to pick up the award and have their photo taken.
Thanks to everyone who helped out with the Parade of Lights in any way.
A video of the Christmas Parade will soon be available for viewing at holtonrecorder.net
