Iroquois County's fire protection districts stepped up to capture top honors in the 2018 City of Watseka and Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade.
The Ashkum Fire Department won the Best of Use of Theme award with its 'Songs of Christmas' entry. The Best Float Award went to the Crescent-Iroquois Fire Department, and the Gilman Fire Department won the Best Decorated Emergency Vehicle category.
Girl Scout Troop #2529 won this year's Best Children's Unit. The First Trust & Savings Bank was awarded the Best Walking Unit. Best Use of Lights, according to judges, went to the Watseka FFA. The Best religous Entry was Christ Luthern High School.
Friday evening's parade was preceeded with the annual lighting of the local Christmas Treet at the Post Office.
Milford Parade Committee says 'Thanks" for support ---
Parade committee members are grateful for the support of its community and all of the participants for success of the 3rd annual Christmas Parade Sunday evening. Everyone involved "grinned and bared" the chilly rainy evening as 45 entries and a large crowd of spectators lined both sides of Jones Street nearly down to the old high school. The State Line Riders ABATE Motorcycle Club donated a bicycle to two children who displaced "I love State Line Riders" signs. Bert's Place and the Our Savior Lutheran Church food tent both reported good crowds. Santa met with a sizeable amount of children of all ages and later participated in the Milford Police Department's Toys for Tots program. The Milford-Cissna Park football team celebration after the parade boasted around 175 in attendance. Organizsers called it a great night in Milford and a wonderful kick off for the holiday season.
The winning Parade entries include:
• Best Youth - Milford HS FFA
• Best Walking group - Milford Grade School Cheerleaders
• Best Religious/Non-Profit Group - Our Savior Lutheran Church
• Best Business - A-1 Crane Service
• Best Decorated Emergency Vehicle - Stockland Fire
• Best Use of Theme - Milford Fun Days Committee
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