Frigid Temps for Parade of Lights

Cold temperatures reduced the number of sidewalk viewers for the annual Parade of Lights in Lamar this past Friday, December 6. Most visitors downtown were either in their cars along Main Street or inside a business where they could watch in warmth.

Chamber of Commerce board members made a last-minute change of plans by having the parade route end at the chamber offices on East Beech Street, and Santa Claus met with area youngsters inside the meeting room instead of Santa’s workshop. Santa and Lamar Mayor Roger Stagner did officially turn on the tree lights to the Enchanted Forest, so those immune to 15 degree temperatures could take a stroll through the Forest to enjoy the lights.

This year’s theme, “Through the Eyes of a Child” showcased some youthful float entries and the top three winners were ‘Candyland’ by SDS, followed by Parkview Elementary School and third place went to Feathers, the giant goose decoy entered by the Lamar Honkers.

The artic like weather prompted one other change for the evening. The traditional windmill lighting ceremony for the Lamar Area Hospice was moved from Main Street at the railroad crossing to indoors at the Hospice headquarters on West Olive Street for an open house.

By Russ Baldwin