[November 26, 2012]    

NEW HOLLAND -- Saturday evening the village of New Holland kicked off the Christmas season with a Christmas parade around the town.

With a chill in the air, and the spirit of Christmas all around, it was a bright and festive occasion, filled with great parade entries, lots of candy and plenty of kids to enjoy it.

The parade was led by the New Holland Fire Department and included the American Legion Porter Bell Post 715, represented by Wayne LaForge, Darrell Tibbs and Mark Beavan; and the New Holland-Middletown Cub Scouts, Pack 99.

The Railsplitter Antique Auto Club participated with the following entries: 1958 Dodge pickup, Aaron and Sally Little; 1970 Chevy, Ivan Tripplett; 1962 T-Bird, Jim and Diane Loeffler; 1965 Mustang, Leroy and Bev Ramthun; and a 1993 T-Bird, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Wibben.

Also participating were the New Holland Methodist Church with an entry pulled by Gary LaForge; the Sheridan Township truck, driven by Grant LaForge and Kathy; Shelton Mowing Service; the Kirgan family and friends with their mule, Merna, and cart; Abraham Lincoln monument replica pulled by Bob Rankin; Land of Lincoln Antique Tractor and Engine Club entry pulled by Cameron Harnacke; and the "HoHoHo" Girls -- Sharon Tibbs, Bev Tibbs and Margo Roethlisberger -- in a 1941 Plymouth.

And, the New Holland Fire Department brought up the rear, ending the parade.

Before the parade started, little train ornaments were handed out to all of the entrants as a thank-you for participating.

After the parade was over, entrants were invited to Harnacke Buildings for cookies and hot chocolate.

Pictures by Jan Youngquist