There are so many holiday activities planned during the 26th Annual Morrison Christmas Walk, on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2013, that a tri-fold seemed necessary. That way, participants can carry the complete itinerary in a pocket of purse. Click here to print “A Star Spangled Christmas!”
The Morrison Chamber of Commerce and its Christmas Walk Committee have built a collection of community-based events to please all ages. Enjoy food, music, shopping, entertainment, hospitality, and beautiful decorations. A sampler is listed below.
Generous financial sponsors deserve a note of appreciation: Wells Fargo Bank; CGH Morrison Health & Vision Center; Sterling Federal Bank; The Dancer’s Hut; Farmers National Bank; Community State Bank; CarQuest Auto Parts; Ashford University; Dunlap Lodge #321; The Prairie Advocate; Shawver Press; Whiteside News Sentinel Publications; Willett, Hofmann, & Associates.
Special thanks are accorded the City of Morrison Public Services Department; Maurits & Jost Insurance Agency; Morrison Police Department; Rick’s Auto Body.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
New this year is a participatory activity for the entire family. The Christmas Tree Walk will be held at Wells Fargo Bank, 100 W. Lincolnway, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A mini-forest of 46 decorated tabletop trees will be at your bidding, literally, during a Silent Auction. Local individuals and businesses designed enchanting, themed trees to fit any home, office, hospital room, or business. Make a generous bid to help the Chamber raise funds for 78 new “Banners on Main Street.”
From 5:00 to midnight–and on Saturday, December 7, too–sample Christmas Cocktail Concoctions at downtown pubs: Da’ Bar (109 E. Main Street), Fat Boys (201 E. Main Street), Hero’s Tap (208 E. Main Street), and KJ’s Bar & Grill (115 W. Main Street.) Sign up to win a prize at each stop.
From 6:00 to 8:00 visit Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, to warm up and view the 1864 building, decked out for Christmas. Be sure to see the Lionel “O” Guage model railroad displays by Vern VanDyke and Stephanie Vavra. Make a simple, free ornament, enjoy refreshments, and receive a sweet treat-to-go. A ramp at the rear of the building makes access easy for everyone.
Next door, at the corner of U. S. Route 30 and IL Route 78, is the live Nativity, co-sponsored by Brethren in Christ and Ebenezer Reformed Churches. The Holy Family will be in the pocket park from 6:30 to 7:30.
At 7:00 the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony begins across the road, on the “sandwich corner” of Community State Bank. Mayor Everett Pannier will share remarks and illuminate 2500 lights on the gorgeous tree, donated by Asford University and erected by City of Morrison Public Services Department staff. After his opening solo, Eric Phend, of Bethesda Lutheran Church, will lead the community sing-along.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
The free Elementary PTO Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Southside School, 100 Academic Drive, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch is available.
From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. visit Wells Fargo Bank, 100 W. Lincolnway, to view 46 table-top trees at the Christmas Tree Walk. Bid proceeds benefit the new “Banners for Main Street.”
Two church suppers will serve you. The Episcopal Church of St. Anne, 401 N. Cherry Street, is open from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., serving vegetable beef or potato soup, roasted red pepper corn chowder, and spicy cajun gumbo; bread; veggies; dessert; beverage. Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, offers their potato bar, dessert bar, and beverages. Carry out is available.
Sample and vote at the Chili Cook-Off from 5:30 to 8:00 at Genesee and Main Streets, sponsored by Man to Man Open Bible Fellowship.
6:00 is the start of the Christmas Parade, sponsored by Community State Bank and announced by WSDR’s Brian Zschiesche.
After the parade until 8:00, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take requests in their cottage in the pocket park at 221 W. Main Street. On Main Street, you can have a photograph taken with a decorated school bus during the same time.
Parade Hosts Hugh and Shirley Nelson will greet the public from 6:30 to 8:00 at the Fire Station, 206 W. Main Street.
The Madrigal Dinner with music and entertainment begins at 7:00 at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E. Morris Street.
Until 7:30 at THE National Bank, listen to the Morrison 5th Grade Choir and enjoy refreshments.
Morrison Grand Squares will dance inside 100 W. Main Street at 7:30.
Horse and wagon rides begin at the Chamber office, 221 W. Main Street, and run from 6:30 to 8:00.