Saturday, December 7, 2019, was the occasion of the 32nd annual Morrison, IL, Christmas Walk and Parade. Prior to 5:00 p.m., people gathered in anticipation before a beautifully shaped, live Christmas tree, at the corner of Highway 30 and IL Route 78. Mayor Everett Pannier welcomed them and introduced two, first grade Guests of Honor. They were Susie Snowflake and Jack Frost.
Selah Johnson is 7, the daughter of Ben and Kelita Johnson. Buck Byam is 6, the son of Jamie Hill.
After a countdown Susie/Selah waved her silver wand, and the tree burst into multicolored lights.
Kudos to some of the 11 Public Works Department members for making the Tree Lighting ceremony magic happen! Mike Garland, Matt Hill, Scott Strobbe, Tim VanZuiden, and Ryan Wiersema erected, strung lights, and/or decorated the tree. These five men and John Schleuning earlier had wrapped Downtown lamp posts with lighted garlands.
Eric Phend (wearing a Santa hat) led participants in traditional carols and distributed candy canes to children.
Movies On Parade was the theme for 29 entries in the Lighted Christmas Parade, which started at 6:00. Popular holiday films were an easy and entertaining theme to interpret. Watchers could “guess” recognizable movie characters or music.
Color Guard members of American Legion Post 328 were, left-to-right, Dennis Vanzuiden, Kenneth Petersen, Larry Saling, Robert Brands, and Jerry Brearton. Behind them, Mark Schuler drove Mayor Everett and Nancy Pannier, followed by Grand Marshals Alice “Sis” Bordner, 99, and niece Jayne Brainerd, inside a cozy Morrison Community Hospital vehicle.
An eerie rendition of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” included interesting walkers.
Community State Bank sponsored prize awards. Ebenezer Reformed Church won the Elfin’ Magic Award, given to the outstanding entry featuring children as the main part of the entry.
Resthave Care & Rehabilitation won the Golden Ticket Award, given to the overall, outstanding entry presenting and illustrating the parade theme of Movies on Parade. Their film was “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Cub Scout Pack 328 Leader Marshall Blevins drove the young boys on a float decorated with candy; they threw candy to the crowd of children. Their movie was one of three representing “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Jordan Creek Farms, Sterling, IL, brought an equestrian entry, “The Polar Express,” with saddle-bag style, lighted, sign boards representing railroad cars. Walkers were film characters–ticket givers, red-bearded Steamer, and the Conductor. Riders were bearded railroad crew.
The final entry, a gigantic sleigh, sponsored by Community State Bank, transported traditional Christmas celebrities: left-to-right, Elf driver; Jack Frost; Mrs. Claus and Santa; Susie Snowflake (plus her look-alike sister sitting with Mom); Jack’s mother; two back seat Elves (Lindsey Houldsen and Alyssa Meiers.)
The Christmas Walk followed, with food and beverages to taste; friends to converse with; balloon animals, music, and dance to enjoy; Santa and Mrs. Claus to meet.
Morrison Junior High Principal Joe Robbins, self-described in the photo as “cold, tired, and ready to go to bed,” originated and built a popular activity for children: a Barrel Train.
In a serpentine pattern, he drove members of the MJHS Art Club in the parade. At the end of the parade, Robbins pulled youngsters around W. Main Street, outside the Santa House.
Vocal and instrumental music filled TBK Bank’s lobby, to compliment cookies, punch, and hot cider. First, ten of 11 MHS Madrigal Choir members sang.
Then, Junior and Senior High Schools Band Teacher Tyler Sutton and Sophomore Faith Green performed a clarinet duet. Sutton played solo trumpet pieces.
Santa’s Elves, Lindsey Houldsen (left) and Alyssa Meiers assisted at the Santa House, surrounded by the Morrison Community Hospital lighted wonderland.
After months of planning and weeks of preparation, the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Walk Committee and full Board of Directors crafted another memorable holiday event for Morrison. Generous sponsors, participating churches, businesses, schools, and organizations supported the event wholeheartedly. That communal effort reflects the joyful giving spirit of the season. Well done, all!
