DECATUR -- It was a cold and dreary Saturday morning in Decatur. But that didn't stop local residents from lining Main Street in hopes of catching a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Kris Kringle (Santa Claus) as they passed through Decatur.
The special guests from the North Pole were part of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce First Annual Christmas Festival and the traditional Decatur Christmas Parade held on Dec. 14 at the high school cafeteria and in downtown Decatur.
At least 100 local residents and guests lined Main Street to watch the parade as it made its way from city hall to Decatur Methodist Church.
The parade was led by the Decatur police and fire departments.
The Decatur High School marching band, under the direction of director Kristin Wages and drum major Ger Vang, took the second spot in the parade behind the fire department. The band, dressed in blue and white uniforms, put on an impressive show as they marched the entire parade route. In front of the Gallery Cafe, the band stopped and played a short selection of Christmas favorites, much to the delight of the spectators.
Several floats were entered in the parade. The Chamber announced the winners of the float competition. Decatur school faculty float and the band shared first place in the school division. Decatur State Bank took first in the business division, and Miss Decatur Tiny Tot, Raley Dilbeck, took first in the non-profit division.
Santa and Mrs. Claus brought up the rear of the parade. They both rode the Decatur Fire Department engine 2412, driven by Fire Chief David Flynt.
The festival shifted gears from Main Street to the high school cafeteria. Santa was on hand to take Christmas lists, while Mrs. Claus handed out gifts to each child. Christmas music was provided by the Decatur High School choir, Decatur Methodist Church, Midway Pentecostal Church and flutist Ger Vang.
The Decatur train station was open to the public before and after the parade on Dec.14. A total of eight visitors toured the historic facility.
The event was a big success for the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. At least 400 people attended the one day event.
"I would like to send out a special thank you to the local businesses which donated discounts for the festival," Decatur Chamber of Commerce president, Shanna Tucker, said. "To GuanaJuato Meat Market, Decatur Pawn, The Shop Out Back, Galley Cafe, and Handy Mart, the Chamber sends its heartfelt gratitude for their participation."
The chamber has extended the house decoration contest to Friday, Dec. 21. The winning entries will be featured in the Christmas issue of the Westside Eagle Observer on Dec. 25.
General News on 12/17/2013