Santa, parade kick off Christmas season

    Though the day’s temperatures felt more like fall, area residents turned out for Saturday’s Christmas Festival in Imperial hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
    Kicking off with a free movie at 2 p.m., events moved to the city gym at 4 p.m., capped off by the 6:30 p.m. Parade of Lights that drew 12 entries.
    Chamber officers were happy with the turnout.
    “By 4:15, the gym was full. It was a really good turnout,” said Jan Elliott, Chamber treasurer.
    Eighty-two attended the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Imperial Theatre. Jeff Wallin with Adams Insurance Advisors sponsored the free movie.
    At the city gym, youths enjoyed visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Also offered were a letters to Santa writing station, a cake walk and cookie decorating. Chamber members provided materials for the stations and the cakes/cookies for the cake walk, Elliott said.
    Outdoors, people were able to purchase hot drinks from the Latte Da cart.
    Chamber Bucks went to  the top three Parade of Lights winners who included 1st Fanning family $100, 2nd Doug Gaswick $75 and 3rd Adams Bank & Trust $50.
    The parade entries started at the Imperial Manor, following the same route as the fair parade, which took them east on 10th Street and south along Broadway.
    An estimated 250 gathered at the Imperial fire hall that afternoon, as well, for an Imperial Volunteer Fire Department pancake feed fundraiser.
Poles, home decorating
contests continue
    Elliott encourages local residents to get entries in for the residential lighting and downtown pole decorating contests.
    Both will be judged on Sunday, Dec. 18, she said.
    Winners in both contests, like the parade, will receive Chamber Bucks.
    Elliott said a few poles downtown have already been decorated, but more are encouraged.
    Homes are beginning to don Christmas lights and decorations, as well.
    Forms for both contests are at The Imperial Republican or city offices.