Fairfield Rotary hosts Christmas Eve Parade

FAIRFIELD – The Rotary Club of Fairfield hosted its annual Christmas Eve Parade on Tuesday evening.

Club members believe the event is the oldest and longest running tradition in the town’s history, which started in 1920 and was only suspended for a few years during World War II. Just as it has for many years, Santa’s sleigh departed the Iowa Army National Guard Armory, traveled throughout the town and ended on the west side of the Fairfield square. There, Santa, Mrs. Claus and even the Grinch welcomed children into their sleigh to check if they were on the Naughty or Nice List.

Dave Reiff, who has been a member of Fairfield Rotary for more than 40 years, said the event is popular with the town’s kids, parents and grandparents.

“Even when the weather is bad, so many show up, by the hundreds at least,” Reiff said.

Reiff said the event would not be possible without the support of the Army National Guard, law enforcement escort courtesy of the Fairfield Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the support of the Fairfield Lion’s Club, who helped the Rotarians set up the sleigh.

Each child who visits Santa receives a goodie bag. Rotarian Colleen Stone said she purchased the goodies from Costco this year, and members of Rotary’s youth chapter, Interact, repackaged them for distribution. Interactor Ronan Daniels also helped on the sleigh this year, dressing as an elf.

Rotarian Beth Alonso said club members are thinking about ways of revamping the parade. Like nearly all civic organizations, Fairfield Rotary Club is trying hard to maintain its events in the face of declining membership, and club members are eager to try new things to spur interest in the club.

“We might do a horse and buggy next year,” Alonso said. “We might bring back another float if we can get more members.”

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com

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