Editor’s note: Those who prepared Parade entries my submit a photo and short description for publication on thecity1.com.
It rarely happens, but on Saturday, December 1, 2018, threatening weather overruled the annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. Lightning, thunder, and rain were the deciding factors to cancel the event at 4:30 p.m. Even Santa Claus chose not to ride his giant-sized sleigh in the rain, but to await children in the warm, dry Santa House, in McMillan Park, beside the Chamber Office, 221, W. Main Street, Morrison, IL. Kevin Schisler was prepared to suit up, but the cancellation prevented his efforts.
The Christmas Walk events continued, as nearly all those were under shelter. First was the Tree Lighting at 5:00, followed by community caroling led by Eric Phend. The rain had stopped during this time. Jerry Lindsey submitted two photos. The first shows Mayor Everett Pannier opening the holiday season, with Suzy Snowflake (Chloe Landheer) and Grand Marshall Jeg Weets.
The second was taken with lights lit. At the base of the tall tree, left-to-right, are Chloe Landheer, Jack Frost (Dritan Dzeladini), and Jeg Weets.
Understandably those who prepared parade entries were disappointed. Arnie Drolema had entered this “fully decorated” vehicle, promoting his family’s The Asylum of Mad Dreams–a popular, three-generation Halloween attraction. According to Chamber Coordinator Meridith Layne, who supplied the photo, “He took a couple laps around the block for fun. There was amplified sound, smoke, and scent coming from the car, whose top was off!”
