Santa makes a stop to visit with children after the New Holland Christmas Parade
 

[December 10, 2024]    On Saturday, December 7th, New Holland had their annual Christmas parade. The weather was chilly but was still warmer than it had been the previous few days. The New Holland Fire District was open and served warm food free of charge. Parade attendees could get a bowl of chili, a hot dog, or a chili dog. Lemonade, coffee, and hot chocolate were also available.

The parade started at 6:00 pm at the Old Community Center. The route then went down E and W Pekin Street before turning onto Vine Street. The parade then made one final turn onto W Lincoln Street and passed through the main drag.

The Grand Marshal of the parade, Danny Dean, was toward the front of the pack in the back of a pickup. Dean served in the local fire department, was a paramedic, and served as the village president twice.

There were lots of different vehicles and floats to see, including the base of a hot air balloon that was sending warm plumes of flames into the air. There was also a S.K. Davison semi-truck pulling a truckload of Santa’s presents.

As for Santa, he and Mrs. Claus were near the end of the parade riding in his sleigh. The sleigh pulled up right next to the Fire District building, and they got out and went inside to see the many families that were waiting.

The inside of the Fire District building was packed, with people lined up from the back, along the walls, and out the door. Santa talked to each child, making sure he took his time and made the moment magical for them. While families were waiting to meet St. Nicholas, they partook in some of the food and drinks that were available.

[Matt Boutcher]