The 2017 holiday season officially kicked off last Saturday in Highland with the traditional Santa Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Craft Show & Vendor Fair.
These annual events welcomed crowds of hundreds of people as they enjoyed the festive atmosphere in one uplifting day.
“This is our first year attending the parade,” said Highland resident Steve Scheeringa, as his family watched the twilight parade from the back of his truck. “An evening parade is definitely different, but it’s colorful and the kids are having a lot of fun.”
Most of the cars, floats and trucks sported colorful — and some flashing — lights.
“Wow, those old cars are so cool,” said Highland youngster Josh Marin, 12, as he cheered on half-a-dozen 1920s automobiles outfitted with unique decorations. “The headlights on one that just passed by had snowmen painted on and the roof had Christmas lights all over.”
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Local Girl Scouts marched in the parade, as well as a variety of dance groups.
Fire trucks, police motorcycles, and individual vehicles were equipped with colorful lights to entertain the crowd.
“It’s so pretty, I like it all,” said Jennifer Gold of Highland, 8, as her family observed the festivities from the back of their SUV. “I can’t wait to see Santa.”
She didn’t have to wait too long, as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus soon appeared atop a red-and-white float.
“Look, look, he’s waving at me,” Jennifer Gold said. “I yelled at him that I’ve been really good, but it’s so loud out here, I hope he heard me.”
The hour-long parade, which took place down Highway Avenue in downtown Highland, ended at Main Square Park for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
“I’m surprised there’s such a huge turnout, it’s pretty chilly out here,” said former Highland resident Oliver Prentiss, as he waited by the park’s main entrance to meet up with his family. “But my grandkids don’t mind, and we’ll be having hot chocolate soon.”
That hot chocolate was distributed by the Highland Parks Department after the main switch was turned on to light the colorful decorations located throughout Main Square Park.
Families wandered through the park, pausing to take pictures near the colorful sculptures and decorated gazebo.
“This is a tradition for us, to take pictures on the first night the park is lighted up,” said Sarah Higgins of Highland. “My kids are almost grown, so hopefully they’ll remember this and do the same with their kids.”
Earlier in the day, Higgins and her family also attended the annual Craft Show & Vendor Fair at Lincoln Center.
“I love the homemade things they had there, like the scarves and gloves,” she said. “I bought five sets. That’s the personal touch I love to give to my family at Christmastime.”
The holiday fair offered the usual gift selections, as well as many one-of-a-kind items Higgins spoke of.
Small oil paintings were a popular item that sold well, as well as handmade soaps and jewelry.
“My friends and I always take a lot of time to find things for each other that are out-of-the-ordinary,” said Denise Hatfield of Hammond, as she talked with a vendor selling lamps made from wine glasses with white Christmas lights tucked inside.
“Now, these are different, I must say. I’ve never seen them before. I’m going to buy at least a few.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.