Community Christmas Festival celebrations are almost upon us

“Come Home for the Holidays” is the theme chosen for the Imperial Chamber of Commerce 2023 Christmas Festival. To kick off the upcoming holiday events on Nov. 28, 4:00 – 6:15 p.m. in the Imperial City Gym, 3rd and Broadway, there will be an extravaganza of activities and crafts for kids.
Some of the activities will include cookie and ornament decorating, a cake walk, letters to Santa and pictures with jolly Ol’ Saint Nick, games and more.
Arlys Cupp will have the Latte Da truck on site (weather permitting), and Jason Kimble with Night Sounds, will be set up outside playing Christmas music on Broadway.
If anyone would like to donate cakes for the cake walk, they can drop them off at Pizza Hut on Nov. 27 to Amanda Keneipp.
From 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., there will be a pancake feed for the community hosted by the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department. It will be held at the IVFD,3rd and Broadway.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. following the pancake supper, Broadway will come alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas while everyone gathers for the “Parade of Lights.”
Check-in and staging will be located at 10th and Grant with judging beginning at 5:45 p.m. The winner will be announced just before the parade begins. The starting point will be in front of Imperial Manor at 6:20 p.m. The official route will begin at the Imperial City Square, 8th and Broadway, ending at the IVFD.
To place your entry, contact Kym Weiss by calling or texting 308-314-0234 or email Kym at weisshydration@gmail.com.
It is requested that no Santas or Mrs. Clauses be in the parade.
December 15 event
“Light up Your Holiday” with the residential Christmas lighting contest. All entries must be within city limits and are due by Dec. 15.
Judging will start at 5 p.m. on Dec. 16 with winners announced on Dec. 18 on the Chamber Facebook page.
First place winners will not be eligible to win again for two years.
To enter your home in the contest, send your name, phone number, address and email to Jan Elliott at jan@pscwave.com or text 308-882-0236.
December 20 event
“Create a Festive Destination” is the theme for the Imperial Businesses Christmas decoration and/or lighting contest.
Businesses must be within city limits, with judging that evening of the 20th. The winner and runner-up will be awarded a recognition ribbon for display along with Chamber Bucks.
Contact the Chamber at imperialchamberofcommerce@gmail.com with any questions.