Lincoln Christmas Parade lights up
the night with “Christmas around the world”
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[December 07, 2016]
LINCOLN
- On Thursday evening, residents and visitors to Lincoln were
treated to an excellent Christmas Parade sponsored by the
Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. The theme for this year
was “Christmas around the world.”
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The parade included dozens of entries from local businesses,
churches, organizations and clubs. There was a wide variety of fire
trucks, some carrying youngsters such as Cub Scout Pack 111 of
Lincoln.
With the February Primary just around the corner, there were entries
from mayoral candidates, and the city of Lincoln aldermen, and Logan
County Board members were also part of the activities.
Other entries that caught the eye included the giant WWII search
light from Heritage In Flight Museum located at Logan County
Airport. This year the light traveled the parade route while shining
its remarkable beam into the night sky. The Statue of Liberty was
also on hand courtesy of Rob Shaw of Liberty Tax Service in Lincoln.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Dec/03/images/ads/current/graue_sda_2016.png) The Lincoln Community High School Marching Band thrilled the crowd
as they marched the route playing, students and their instruments
decked out in Christmas décor.
This year the Grand Marshals of the parade were Joe and Melanie
Schaler. Joe worked tirelessly with Melanie by his side to help get
the Logan County Veteran’s Assistance Commission established in
Logan County. His hard work did not go unnoticed by local veterans,
nor by Governor Bruce Rauner, who this year presented Joe with the
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Patriotic Volunteer of the
Year Award for 2016.
The military was also well represented with the Toys for Tots entry
that included a very large military vehicle with local Marine Corp
Commander Jim Harnacke riding in the back along with a giant
snowman.
At the end of the parade, the Patriot Guard on their motorcycles
escorted Santa into town.
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The jolly man of course arrived in his special parade sleigh
designed just for him for use at the Lincoln Christmas Parade each
year. The sleigh is sponsored by the Lincoln Elks Lodge 914 and ME
Realty. Judges were on hand to view the entire parade,
and at the end of the evening made some tough decisions about
who should be awarded the three “best entry” prizes.
The winners were:
Chamber of Commerce Choice: Zion Lutheran Church
Best Float: Renew Consignment & Thrift
Best Theme Representation: Charron’s Auto Repair
Also at the end of the evening, children were invited to the new
offices of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce now
located at 110 N. Kickapoo Street to spend some quality time
with Santa.
[Nila Smith]
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