Santa helps light up Red Oak
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 12:00am
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By The Express
REDee^OAK — The arrival of Santa Claus downtown Friday, Nov. 26, heralded in the Christmas season in Southwest Iowa.
Hundreds of people turned out to see Ol’ St. Nick, take in the annual Lighted Parade, shop in local stores and participate in children’s crafts.
Cayden Lilley, 3, of Red Oak, was the first in line in Fountain Square Park to visit with Santa Claus.
He was quick to tell Santa he had been good and provide him with a rundown of his Christmas wishes.
But not all children were that excited to see the jolly ole elf.
Jersey Churchill, 2, of Red Oak, reluctantly sat on Santa’s lap, as did several other children.
Across the street at Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., children lined up to make ornaments.
They also took time to watch area residents demonstrating holiday crafts in the windows of Brown’s, Kate and Lainie’s Coffee House, the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce, Goldsmith Gallery and others.
As darkness fell on downtown, people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the annual Lighted Parade, sponsored by the chamber.
Several organizations participated in the event — last year it was canceled due to weather.
Bringing up the rear of the parade, Santa rode atop a fire truck.
As the parade wrapped up two laps around the square, the firetruck stopped and Santa entered Fountain Square Park, where he turned on the downtown holiday lights.
Activities continued Saturday with an Oreo-stacking contest and the Festival of Trees.