Christmas on Broadway enjoyed by all

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    It was a beautiful December evening for the Christmas Festival, Tuesday, Dec. 2.
    Downtown was buzzing with activity throughout the evening.
    After the children listened to stories in the library from Mrs. Claus, they all joined their parents around the City Christmas Tree for the annual lighting and sung Christmas Carrols, led by former CCS music teacher, Randy Hayes.
    From Imperial Square, people moved south to the Imperial Fire Hall, to enjoy a pancake and sausage feed, put on by the IVFD. A great crowd turned out for the festivities.
    Santa was present for pictures and there were several tables set up where children could make Christmas Krafts.
    Hayden Outdoors sponsored a Gingerbread House building contest, with prizes of Chamber Bucks given to the winners.
    First place and $100 in Chamber Bucks went to the Lambert Girls. The Wolves took second and $50, with the Fantastic Four placing third and winning $25.
    Butlers Pantry sponsored the Holiday Bake-Off contest, with two tables full of desserts being entered. First place and $100 in Chamber Bucks, went to Melanie DeHart, second and $50 was Jan Elliott and third place and $25, went to Ben Lechtenberg
    At 6:30, the Parade of Lights started to make it’s way down Broadway, led by Grand Marshall Maria Adle, CCS student and National FBLA Champion in Business Etiquette.
    Holyoke/Imperial Credit Union was judged the first place float, with their pine trees and open fire pit. Chase County Community Hospital placed second and Adams Bank and Trust took third place in the floats.
    At the end of the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus hitched a ride on the front of a fire truck, wishing everyone in the crowd a very Merry Christmas.