It was a first-ever Christmas parade in Milford. And the City of Watseka held its annual parade to help get the holiday spirit in gear this past weekend.

There were 31 entries in the Milford parade Sunday evening. Organizers were pleased with the first-ever effort. And it’s hoped the Milford Christmas Parade will be an annual event.

Several businesses, churches, school groups, and civic organizations took time to register entries.

Judges selected the Road Relics Car Club as the Best Float. The Best Walking Unit was the Milford Grade School Cheerleaders.

A-1 Crane Service had its entry win the Most Lights category. And the Milford Swim Team earned recognition for Most Participants.

Santa Claus arrived in Watseka Friday evening. The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce coloring contest winners, Adrian Fox and Cameron Seibring, rode with Santa as Lil Mr. Snowflake and Lil Miss Snowflake.

Thirty-plus entries rolled along the parade route. The Chamber announced its winners:

Best Use of Theme “Bright Lights Christmas Delights” was awarded to ABATE Hubbard Trail.

Best Use of Lights went to Mike Buhrmester Glenn View Farms, Best Decorated Emergency Vehicle was the Gilman Fire Department, Best religious Entry was awarded to Amazing Grace Church.

Best Float was awarded to Art Downs with the Slow Boys Antique Tractor Club, Best Walking Unit was Diamond in the Rough, and Best Children’s Unit was Girl Scout Troop #2529.

94.1 WGFA