Mrs. Claus and Santa wave to spectators during the parade of lights at Country Christmas Monday, Dec. 7. In addition to making an appearance in the parade, they could be seen near Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s hot cider booth at the Lions Club Mini Park before and after the parade passing out candy canes and taking pictures with youngsters who were eager to tell them what they want for Christmas. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Holyoke Community Federal Credit Union’s first-place float at Monday’s parade of lights depicts a cozy Christmas scene.
— Source: Holyoke Community Federal Credit Union
Happy hay riders at Monday night’s Country Christmas festivities were treated to a great view of Christmas decorations as they made a loop from the Home Store at Holyoke parking lot through the neighborhood. Pictured from left are Lili Vasquez, Victoria Baeza, Rebekah Krieger, Sujey Bustillos, Lucy Vasquez, Hannah Krieger and Jackie Santiesteban.
— The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
At 18 months old, Liam Hernandez isn’t sure if he wants to accept Santa’s offer of a candy cane as father Vicente looks on. While Liam may not have been thrilled with the candy, many other children were happy to see Santa and Mrs. Claus (and their candy canes) at Lions Club Mini Park Monday night.
— The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Ivan Wiebke, pictured at left, accepts some hot chocolate at Country Christmas from Shelby Kafka as Karla DeBoer and Stephanie Krogmeier look on.
— The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
The Phillips County Extension Office/4-H float got second place at the parade of lights Monday night. Pictured from left are Jessie Stewart and Jessie Owens.
— The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Country Christmas still brings cheer in a different kind of year
This year has been challenging in many different ways, but Christmas cheer was in full effect at Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s annual Country Christmas Monday, Dec. 7.
The parade of lights, sponsored by Highline Electric Association and CHS Grainland, featured floats from businesses, organizations and community members decorated according to the “Christmas Dreams” theme.
Holyoke Community Federal Credit Union’s float took first place in the contest, Phillips County Extension Office/4-H took second and Seaboard Foods third.
The festivities started early Monday afternoon, with photo opportunities available from noon to 6 p.m. in front of the festively decorated historic gas station by Phillips County Museum. At 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., kids snack packs at the Peerless Theatre were available, which included popcorn, a small drink and admission to “Home Alone.” The parade of lights kicked off at 6:30 p.m.
Throughout the day and into the evening, many businesses had specials available, providing patrons the opportunity to get their Christmas shopping going.
Hay rides were offered, leaving from the parking lot of Home Store at Holyoke and taking riders on a loop to see the Christmas decorations.
New this year was the holiday mask contest, in which participants festively decorated their masks. Rebecca Koellner won, taking home a $50 chamber bucks certificate.
Even in a trying year, the community came together to pull off another successful Country Christmas.