New Holland Christmas Parade extra special in memory of Mayor Suzie Aper

[December 04, 2017]   On a brisk December Saturday evening, New Holland held its annual Christmas parade. The evening's festivities began with a tree lighting and holiday music played by the New Holland Middletown School fifth, sixth, and seventh grade band.

This year's Christmas celebration was in memory of New Holland Mayor Suzie Aper, who died on June 23, 2017. Christmas was Aper's favorite time of year, so it seemed only fitting to dedicate the events to her.

The festive occasion was filled with over 20 parade entries including several floats with Christmas trees, colorful lights and presents. One float had a snowman helping Santa decorate a tree and another had penguins helping deliver a Christmas tree. Horses were ridden by an "elf" and a "reindeer" wearing colorful necklaces.

Other entries included area businesses, fire trucks from New Holland, Middletown, and Lincoln Rural Fire Department, and decorated tractors driven by members of the Land of Lincoln Antique Tractors and Engine Club.

Rounding up the entries was Santa on his sleigh.

Once the parade ended, every was invited to warm up in the New Holland Fire Protection District Building where vegetable soup, chili, and hotdogs were being served.

In the cozy building, children were able to sit on Santa's lap and share their wish list with him.

The 2017 New Holland Christmas Parade provided a nice holiday celebration as the town remembered a lady who was very special to them.

[Angela Reiners]