Decatur Christmas Festival proves fun for all ages

Photo by Mike Eckels The Decatur High School choir started the evening by singing several Christmas songs during the Decatur Christmas Festival Dec. 12 at Northside Elementary.
Photo by Mike Eckels The Decatur High School choir started the evening by singing several Christmas songs during the Decatur Christmas Festival Dec. 12 at Northside Elementary.

DECATUR -- The streets of downtown Decatur were filled with children of all ages Dec. 12, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the jolly old elf, Santa Claus.

Claus and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Claus, slipped in under cover of darkness to participate in the Decatur Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas Festival parade. When asked where the reindeer were stashed, Claus replied,"They are being very well taken care of somewhere outside of Decatur."

With his team of reindeer safely tucked away, Mr. and Mrs. Claus went to another undisclosed location to await the start of the parade.

The Christmas Festival kicked off with a series of carols and other songs by the Decatur High School Choir under the direction of Dawn Schoeller. One of the featured selections was the song "When Christmas Comes to Town" from the movie "Polar Express." A hush filled the room as the 12-member ensemble performed flawlessly. After their performance, it was time to move from Northside to downtown Decatur for the Christmas Festival parade.

As the crowd gathered along both sides of Main St., high above, at City Hall, the floats from several area churches, businesses, and one from Decatur Middle School gathered for the lineup. Then, at 6 p.m., the air was filled with the sirens from the Decatur Police and Fire Departments, marking the beginning of the parade.

The processional moved down Jo Ave., making a left onto Main. As each float passed by, the excitement grew as young and old waited to see the guests of honor. Then, suddenly, two figures appeared riding the pumper truck from the fire department. It was old St. Nick himself in person. Every child's eyes lit up as the visitor from the north passed by, throwing candy and waving to the crowd. As quickly as it began, it was over.

The chamber judges picked one float from each division entered in the parade. For best school, the seventh grade class from Decatur Middle School won first place. In the business division, Decatur State Bank took the top prize. The Decatur Sale Barn Church took the prize in the non-profit division.

With the parade now history, the attention turned once again to Northside Elementary where the Claus family settled to hear Christmas wishes from area children.

While the children waited to visit with Santa, several members of the community helped serve up a chili supper, with proceeds benefiting Decatur Youth Programs. The freshman class at Decatur High School held a bake sale while the Lee Family from Decatur served up homemade egg rolls. The proceeds from both sales benefited Decatur Schools.

Before the festival began, the Chamber held a gingerbread house building contest at Northside Elementary. Each class was given a kit and asked to design and build a gingerbread house. The finished projects were displayed near the entrance of the school. Judging for the contest was done by the public. The winner of the gingerbread house contest was Leslie Thompson's third grade class.

As the night concluded, the winners of the house lighting contest were announced. Jesus Tirabo, 1561 Crestview, took first place; and Patrick Boehm, 153 Austin St., took second.

Thanks to the members of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and their many sponsors, this year's Christmas Festival was a huge success. As for Santa Claus, he and his wife returned to the secret location where the reindeer and sleigh were waiting for departure. As he flew over the town of Decatur, he was heard to say, "I'll be back soon."

General News on 12/17/2014