One of Atlantic’s most beloved traditions is the Lighted Parade. The Lighted Parade is a time when our small town can enjoy a tinsel tossed downtown, decorated floats, and lots of hot cocoa. While it may sound like any old Main Street fest, the Lighted Parade is so much more!
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is responsible for organizing and hosting the parade, a tradition that has been ongoing for several years. The Chamber of Commerce is the organization that works with businesses and promotes the city of Atlantic. They also put on several events before the Lighted Parade itself, most notably the Festival of Trees and Santa’s Cabin.
The Festival of Trees occurs on the afternoon of the Lighted Parade, which was December 6th this year, and it is a great addition to the tradition. At the Festival, dozens of artificial and real Christmas trees are set up indoors. Each one is decorated by a different family or organization in the Atlantic area. The Pymosa Club 4-H tree, for example, was covered with pictures of its members and Iowa-shaped ornaments. The trees are set in a gallery format so that visitors can come and wander through this Atlantic-themed forest.
Santa’s Cabin is another beloved addition. For several nights during the season, the historic cabin in City Park turns into the North Pole. Outside the door, there is self-serve hot chocolate as well as a sidewalk guarded by larger-than-life nutcracker soldier models. Once inside the log cabin, visitors have a chance to meet with Santa himself before being given popcorn balls and stickers by members of the Chamber and walking out through a series of inflatable Christmas arches.
The Parade itself starts at six to the tune of fireworks over Chestnut Street. The street is lined with Christmas lights running up and down all the trees, and bows of holly are tied onto the lit lamposts. The fireworks themselves are all red, green, or white to get people into the Christmas mood. This year, a light snow softly drifted down as the crowds of people waited on the sidewalk or in their cars. Allison Middents was one of those people waiting. She talked about how her family has been involved with the parade for a number of years, and how, when she was younger, she marched in it with her fellow gymnasts.
Once the parade arrives, it is quite the sight to see. A police car leads the procession, with all its lights shining bright. Businesses, such as Cass Health, Ziegler Equipment, Family Vision Center Atlantic, KJAN, South-O Roofing, and the YMCA, as well as several churches and families, dress up their trailers. Many had Christmas character cutouts of Charlie Brown or Santa, while others had festive lights, and a few had both. Some even played Christmas tunes as they rolled past! Most waved from their vehicles and floats and wished people a merry Christmas.
There are Grinch and presents, lights and music, and lots of good cheer during the parade. One organization adding a special touch to it was Villa Dance. They boogied down the street in formation with pom-poms and a banner to lead.
Chloe Sonntag danced with them. It was her second year dancing, and she praised the memories she had made through the experience. “The atmosphere of the parade is like no other; you can feel the seasonal joy and excitement all around you,” she said. After they got “decked out in Christmas gear,” they headed downtown with transportation from SWITA and got to socialize with the kids playing in the street before the parade. Then, she said, “We danced our way through the parade and got the privilege to escort Santa!”
Santa was a pivotal asset in the procession. The fire departments of Adair and Wiota made appearances, but it all climaxed with an Atlantic fire engine bringing up the rear with the big man himself waving from the top. His wave from up high would mark the end of this day of Christmas in Atlantic. Once he was through, the street was quiet again, but everyone left with just a bit more cheer.
