Chamber’s Christmas Parade of Lights, other events on tap for Dec. 18

    Early plans have been announced by the Imperial Chamber of Commerce for its 2021 Christmas activities.
    Highlighting the Festival of Lights events include the third annual Parade of Lights through downtown Imperial with a host of other activities, all on Saturday, Dec. 18.
    Chris Krausnick is coordinating most of the events for the chamber.
    A children’s holiday movie sponsored by the Imperial Lions Club will kick off the day’s activities Dec. 18.
    The club has booked “A Christmas Story” to be shown at 2 p.m. in the Imperial Theatre.
    After the movie, several Christmas-themed  events will start at 4 p.m. in the city gym and City Square locations.
    The gym will host several activities including a Christmas-themed cake walk, cookie decorating for all ages and a letters to Santa writing station.
    Outside on City Square, youths can meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free photos will be taken of chldren with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
    A fire pit will be set up outside to make s’mores, Krausnick said, and coffee and hot chocolate will be available.
    Other activities include hayrack rides around town, a live Nativity scene and a chance to decorate one of the trees on City Square.
    Capping off the day will be the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m.
    Krausnick said people are invited to enter their decorated vehicles in any Christmas theme. First and second place winners will be awarded Chamber Bucks.
Three lighting contests
    Homeowners, business owners and others can take part in three different Christmas lighting contests this year, all part of the chamber’s holiday events.
    Homes in the Imperial city limits can enter the Residential Christmas Lighting Contest and vie for $400 in Chamber Bucks.
    First, second and third place winners will be chosen, and receive $175, $150 and $75. Winners from the past two seasons are not eligible, said chamber member Jan Elliott.
    An entry form appeared in last week’s newspaper, or those entering can send their name, phone number and physical address to jan@pscwave.com to be entered.
    Homes will be judged Dec. 16 and winners announced during the events Dec. 18.
    Jack Schnieder is coordinating the downtown light pole contest for the chamber, and people who want to enter can contact him at 308-883-6573.
    Decorating can start Saturday, Dec. 4, he said. It is first-come, first-served for light pole selection to be decorated in Christmas themes.
    The light poles will also be judged Dec. 16 and winners announced Dec. 18. Chamber Bucks in the amounts of $250, $150 and $100 will go to first, second and third place winners.
    A third lighting contest will involve business owners in Imperial, who are being challenged to decorate their store fronts in Christmas themes.
    Like the other contests, entries will be judged Dec. 16 and winners announced Dec. 18.
    A first and second place business will be chosen and receive Chamber Bucks.
    Entry forms for the parade and the business store front contest can be picked up at The Imperial Republican or city office.