Severe weather conditions don’t stop Christmas celebrations in New Holland

[December 06, 2018]    On Saturday evening, Mother Nature delivered some cruel blows in central Illinois. With a confirmed 18 tornados across our region, folks were on high alert from mid-afternoon to early evening. But, the weather didn't turn out to be quite as terrible in Logan County as other nearby counties, and activities on the schedule for Saturday evening did go on as planned.

This included the Christmas Holiday celebration in New Holland. The community enjoyed an outdoor concert, Tree Lighting Ceremony, parade, cocoa at the community/firehouse and of course a visit from Santa.

When it came time for the parade, large raindrops fell throughout the event, making it difficult for those in the parade as well as those there to watch, but they persisted with heartfelt commitment, and all was well that ended well.

This year, one special aspect of the parade was the entry for the Grand Marshal. The honor was given to the late Dr. Michael L. Mollohan who passed away earlier this year. Event organizer Ken Harnacke explained that Dr. Mollohan has always been very supportive of the New Holland community and the events held in the small town throughout the year. It seemed only fitting that at this, the last event of the year, the good doctor should be honored and recognized for a life well lived.

Representing Mollohan in the parade was a Christmas decorated Cub Cadet lawn tractor. One of Mollohan's passions was Cub Cadet lawn tractors as well as other antique and vintage tractors. Therefore the lawn tractor served as a more than appropriate tribute.

Mollohan was a dentist who practiced in the Atlanta area. He was from Lincoln and was a good friend to many.

All in all, it was a good evening in New Holland in spite of the rain. The hot soup and chili supper was a welcome treat for everyone coming in out of the damp and chilly evening. Guests had a really good time inside the community/firehouse where it was warm and dry. Kids especially enjoyed the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap and whisper their wishes in his ear.

[Nila Smith & Mitch Douglas]