Holly Days Parade Brings Light, Laughter, and a Dramatic Santa Rescue

By: Forgottonia Times™ Report

The sun dipped low over East Main Street on Sunday, December 8, as an anticipating crowd craned their necks toward the rooftop of the First Mid Bank and Trust. There, Santa Claus stood stranded, his reindeer nowhere in sight. Luckily, local heroes of the Galesburg Fire Department arrived to save the day.

A fire truck's ladder extended skyward, its bucket glinting in the amber hues of the setting sun. As Santa climbed aboard, cheers erupted below. Waving enthusiastically as he descended alongside a firefighter, Santa's rescue was just on time for the start of Galesburg's Holly Days parade. Once safely on the ground, he was quickly swarmed by children eager to greet him. Relief and joy spread as they hugged the jolly figure, reassured that he would still make his rounds before Christmas morning.

The streets soon transformed into a glowing festival of lights and merriment as the Holly Days parade began at 5:00 p.m., hosted by the Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg and sponsored by Blick Art Materials. Starting at South Chambers, the parade moved through the heart of Main Street, turning down South Cherry Street to its conclusion at the courthouse.

For over an hour, spectators were treated to a spectacle of festively lit floats, candy showers, and a procession of beloved Christmas characters. Among them were Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, and even the Grinch. The whimsical appearance of "grandma got run over by a reindeer" by the Galesburg Area EMS drew chuckles, but it was the recently rescued Santa riding on the firetruck who stole the show, delighting children and adults alike.

In Galesburg, Holly Days proved once again why it's a cherished tradition, bringing the community together in celebration of the season's magic.