Oskaloosa Celebrates Christmas
The 30th Annual Oskaloosa Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade made it’s way around the square on November 30th.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – For the 30th time in its history, the Oskaloosa Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade lined up, ready to roll through the city square, painted with lights.
The unusually warm weather helped to draw out what some have said is a record crowd at the annual event.
Along the parade route were children with wide eyes as the lighted floats moved in front of the buildings.
Girls Scouts could be found along the parade route selling hot chocolate. The parade is one of the fundraisers they use to help send girls to camp.
Wade Steinlage said, “I have not been able to attend much over the past few years due to athletic events at William Penn, so I was extremely glad to be there tonight! IT WAS AMAZING! Great job by everyone involved!
The parade wasn’t the only thing drawing young an old alike to the downtown. There were many different events taking place at the same time, including the Kids Holiday Art Show at the Oskaloosa Art Center, sponsored by FACE of Mahaska County.
Students from the Oskaloosa elementary, middle, and high school all had works in the show.
Sara Kargol said it was great fun to have all of the young artists involved in the art center.
Over in Penn Central Mall, the third annual Festival of Trees had a lot of attention.
People of all ages enjoyed the parade on Thursday evening. The warm weather helped to drive attendance up this year.
In prior years, the Festival of Trees was a 4-H project, but this year, the Oskaloosa Main Street was the sponsor of the event, with proceeds from the tree auction going to support the ‘Painting with Lights’ project downtown.
An addition this year was wreaths. With sixteen different trees and eleven wreaths, there was a large selection to vote for and bid on.
In the center court of Penn Central Mall, the sounds of Christmas could be heard. Dozens gathered to hear performances by several different groups, including the Oskaloosa middle and high school, and the Red Letters.
Wyndell Campbell is a member of the group Red Letters, and it was the third year the group has performed before the lighted Christmas parade.
Campbell stated that the crowd seems to grow every year, as more people discover the games, and live music taking place inside the mall. “Just a great and beautiful night and the weather is cooperating this year. It’s going to be a beautiful night for the parade.”
“We’ve had more of an opportunity to showcase local talent, which is great for us because Oskaloosa has a musical heritage,” added Campbell. “We’d just like to be a continuation of that for future generations.”
The clomping of hooves could be heard as this team worked to provide rides on the square in Oskaloosa Saturday evening.
Campbell is encouraged to see the growth and support for events in Oskaloosa. “Giving young families and old families alike the opportunity to come out, to come to town and have a wonderful event. I think it’s great to get everybody together. It just promotes that sense of community within Oskaloosa, which I think is key to making sure we’re a relevant community for many years to come.”
On Saturday night, the town square once again came alive under the lights, as Santa came to visit with his reindeer Prancer.
Mahaska Drug sponsored carriage rides around the square, as the lights in the downtown shopping district were on late to welcome shoppers.
“Judges Choice” – Clow Valve
“Children’s Choice – 1st Assembly of God Church
1st Place Most Outstanding:
Most Outstanding Large Business – MUSCO
Most Outstanding Medium Business – Mahaska Drug
Most Outstanding Small Business – OACDG Diplomats
Most Outstanding Church – First Christian Reformed Church
Most Outstanding Non-Profit – Knights of Columbus
Most Outstanding Use of Animals – Diamonds & Dust Equestrian Drill Team
Most Outstanding Out of Town – Shrine Unit KAABA Hillbillies
Most Outstanding Individual/Family – Kelly Bender
Most Outstanding Music – Oskaloosa High School Drum Line
2nd Place– Outstanding:
Outstanding Large Business – Mahaska Health Partnership
Outstanding Medium Business – Eagle One
Outstanding Small Business – Community 1st Credit Union
Outstanding Church – Fellowship Bible Church
Outstanding Non-Profit – Oskaloosa Scouts, #71 & 77
Outstanding Use of Animals – The Alley KADTS
Outstanding Out of Town – SERVPRO
Outstanding Individual/Family – Santa
Outstanding Music – William Penn Marching Band
1st Place Window Display – Debbie’s Merle Norman
“Home Decorating Contest” Winners:
Judge’s Choice – Oskaloosa Downtown Square
Best First-time Entry – William Young, 401 South 1st St.
Most Original – Steve & Kendra Heaton, 1105 Arbor Trace
Best Use of Color – Alvern & Jane Boetsma, 1201 Arbor Trace
Best Use of Animation: Kurt & Susan Kallash, 708 South M Street
Best Use of Lights: Mike & Molly Sterner, 1115 C Ave. East
Festival of Trees held at Penn Central Mall.
Proceeds from all auctioned trees and wreaths will go to sustain “Painting with Lights”. (Amount to be figured yet at this time.)
Best Use of Decorations:
Organization – Key Club
Business – Fareway
Most Creative:
Organization – FACE of Mahaska County
Business – Book Vault
Best Use of Theme:
Organization – FACE of Mahaska County
Business – FocusPoint Chiropractic
People’s Choice:
MCG (Mahaska Communication Group)
3rd Place Overall $100 FACE of Mahaska County
2nd Place Overall $200 H & S Feed and Country Store
1st Place Overall $300 Mahaska Communication Group (MCG)
