Santa, Parade of Lights on tap this Saturday

    Imperial will be a busy place Saturday afternoon as the Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Christmas Festival.
    As thoughts of Christmas ramp up after Thanksgiving, events headquartered at City Square will take advantage of the holiday anticipation.
    Chris Krausnick is coordinating the events for the chamber, and said things really started coming together the past week.
    “I’ve been fortunate. Chamber volunteers are stepping up to help,” she said.
    The theme this year is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of 2022.”
    Activities are planned indoors and outside centered at the City Square. Events inside will be in the city gym.
    All activities kick off at 4 p.m., capped off by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m.
    Kids of all ages will have the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, play bingo and enjoy the cake walk and scavenger hunt.
    Pictures with Santa will be available outside, and people can make s’mores at the fire pit area. The city’s Christmas tree will be lit that evening, as well, Krausnick said.
    As of Monday, seven parade entries were already in, she said.
    There is no deadline to enter, but Krausnick asks those planning to take part be in line near the Imperial Manor by 6 p.m. Saturday.
    The parade will follow the same route as the fair parade, starting at the Manor, traveling east on 10th Street, then south on Broadway, ending at 3rd Street.
    There is no Parade of Lights theme, she noted, and first, second and third place entries will receive prizes.
Free movie, pancake
feed added to events
    In the last couple of weeks, a couple new events have been added to the schedule Saturday, Krausnick said.
    A free movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will start at 2 p.m. in the Imperial Theatre. The 2000 film stars Jim Carrey.
    Jeff Wallin with Adams Insurance Advisors is sponsoring the free film.
    In lieu of the soup and pie suppers in the past, the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a pancake feed fundraiser at the fire hall, starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
    Funds raised will help purchase additional jaws of life equipment.
Decorating contests
    Individuals, businesses and organizations have a few more days to get a Broadway Street light pole decorated for judging Saturday, Krausnick said.
    Poles will be judged as part of the Christmas Festival events, she said, with prizes awarded.
    Homeowners have a couple more weeks to get their homes decorated for the chamber’s annual Residential Lighting Contest, with prizes awarded for the top judged homes.
    Check with Krausnick on details for entering both contests at 308-883-2322.