There were 50 plus entries in the annual Lighted Christmas Parade in Watseka Friday. Santa Claus‘ arrival included time with kids at his downtown holiday house. Six-year-old Journey Harris and 5-year-old Shane Sansone accompanied Santa in the ride. The two Watseka children were named winners in the Chamber of Commerce Coloring Contest.
Santa will have scheduled times in his house during the holiday shopping season.
The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony next the Post Office was led by Mayor John Allhands prior to the parade.
Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of this year’s parade. The best children’s unit was Girl Scout Troop 2529. The best walking unit was Bertrand’s Horse Ranch. The Iroquois County Historical Society and Genealogy displayed the Best Float. . Best use of theme “A Storybook Christmas” went to the Watseka Family Festival.
The Watseka FFA earned the award for Best Use of Lights. Best Decorated Emergency Vehicle entry was the Crescent-Iroquois Fire Department.
In Milford – Sunday evening’s 5th annual Christmas parade welcomed 45 entries, including parade winners selected by judges.
Winners in the 5 judging categories are:
Best Kiddies - Grill and Chill Drive-in
Best Business - Rudisill Underground
Best Religious/Non-Profit - Iroquois County Historical & Genealogy Societies
Best Decorated Emergency/EMS Unit - Milford Fire Dept.
Best Use of Theme - “Style on Lyle” representing 3 businesses under one roof—GLAM, Sugar Creek Boutique, and CJ’s Closet.
Winners of the Little Mr. and Miss Holiday essay contest, 3rd-graders Oliver Rutledge and Avery Schroeder, paved the way for several movie-themed entries, such as “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Polar Express”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “White Christmas”, were creatively depicted in the “Christmas at the Movies” themed parade.
“The Grinch” was also seen riding along side Santa on the last entry in the parade.
Christmas-music filled the air along the parade route provided by 3 musical entries—The Kings of Dixieland from Bradley, the Hoopeston Area High School Marching Band, and the Milford High School Music and Theatre Departments.
94.1 WGFA
