Atlanta Holiday Market, Christmas Parade, tree lighting and visit from Santa

[December 02, 2021]    On November 27 and 28, the city of Atlanta held an indoor Holiday Market with several vendors and visit from Santa on Sunday. A Christmas Parade and Christmas tree lighting rounded out the weekend events.

The weekend’s activities were sponsored by the City of Atlanta Tourism, Atlanta Betterment Fund and the Atlanta Christmas Tree Lighting Committee.



Nineteen vendors offered a variety of items such as goat milk soap, hot cocoa bombs, wooden toys, pet items, engraved bottles, knitted hats and scarves, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and home goods. Many people came out to do some Christmas shopping.

Sunday afternoon, Santa Claus made an appearance at the market and was available for pictures with children. One child even had a list to share with Santa.

After the holiday market ended, a parade wound through the downtown area around Arch, Vine, Church and E South Street. The theme was “Christmas on Route 66,” which was represented by several of the floats and decorated golf carts.

Entries included area businesses such as Carol Ann’s Worsh House, Central Illinois Ag, Red Wing Bowl and the Gift Box.

Atlanta Fire Department and Atlanta Rescue Squad also had entries.

Other participants included the Olympia Cheer Team, a few Logan County elected officials and Logan County Fair Royalty Caroline Ahrends and Alayna Briggs.

Grand Marshall was Atlanta’s own Billie Cheek.



Adults and children lined the streets to watch the parade hoping to catch the candy being thrown by participants.



Following the parade was the fifth Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the corner of Church and South Street with Billie Cheek doing the honors.

Whitney Ortiz, Tourism Development Director said this year was the last one the big tree will be lit. Next year, the tree lighting will be done in Route 66 Park.
 

Afterwards, the Atlanta Betterment Fund provided cookies and hot chocolate in the Union Hall. At that time, Ortiz also drew winning raffle tickets for a Pretzel House and a Snoopy Dog House.

It was a great way for families to end the Thanksgiving weekend and kick off the upcoming holiday season.

[Angela Reiners]