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Mt. Pleasant’s Holiday on Main and Parade lights up the season
Frigid temperatures couldn’t dim the festive spirit as residents gathered for a night of tradition, lights, and community cheer
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — Bundled up in heavy coats and scarves against the biting December cold, residents and visitors filled the Mt. Pleasant downtown square for Main Street Mt. Pleasant’s and the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday on Main and Holiday Lighted Parade Thursday, Dec. 5. Despite the frigid temperatures, the holiday spirit shone brightly through twinkling lights, festive floats, and smiling faces.
The annual event began with the Lighted Parade, a dazzling display of creativity and community spirit, followed by a host of activities in Central Park.
For many, the highlight of the night was the lighted parade, a dazzling display of creativity and community spirit. Ingi McDowell, a longtime attendee of Holiday on Main, braved the cold to capture the magic on video.
“It was bitter cold this year, and my hand about froze holding my phone to video,” McDowell said. “Everyone seemed as excited as we were to see the parade, despite the weather.”
The parade showcased an array of floats, with Southeast Iowa Realty taking home Best Community Entry and Jefferson Antique Mall winning Most Festive Entry in their first year of participation. This business partnered with cosponsors Eden Day Spa, Mt. Pleasant Heating & Air Conditioning and Southeast Iowa Sewer Services to put together this float.
Jefferson Antique Mall later posted on Facebook, “Our first ever parade at Holiday on Main Mt. Pleasant Iowa was a blast … Let’s do it again next year!”
The Best Lighted Entry award went to Access Energy, continuing their tradition of standout lighted float displays.
McDowell praised the hard work that goes into the parade, noting the effort of parade members and organizers alike.
“The participation was amazing, and we appreciate the work in planning and preparations,” she said. “The Central Park activities are a huge part of the evening, enjoying the school band, the carolers, the live animal display, popcorn stand, sampling chestnuts roasted over an open fire, and of course the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.”
Families and friends gathered to enjoy live music by the Mt. Pleasant Community High sixth-grade band and local carolers, take carriage rides around downtown, and pet the fluffy miniature cows from Anderson Ranch Mini’s.
Kara Herman, a local business owner and longtime attendee, shared her excitement about the evening.
“I own a business on the square, so I was excited for the Holiday on Main,” she said. “The atmosphere was great, very family-oriented.”
This year marked Herman’s first time experiencing the event as a business owner, a perspective that deepened her appreciation for the festivities.
“Holiday on Main does make me feel connected with the community,” Herman said. “I love just seeing everyone together and enjoying themselves.”
For Herman, the event is more than a business opportunity or a family outing; it’s a cherished tradition. Her favorite part of the evening was watching her son’s face light up as he met the Grinch, “[The Grinch] absolutely made his week!”
The event’s success is a testament to the dedication of community leaders, including Main Street Mt. Pleasant Executive Director Lisa Oetken and Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Rachel Lindeen.
“We’re very fortunate to have many community business members who do a fabulous job of planning and organizing so many events to keep our town alive,” McDowell said. “Special kudos to Executive Director, Lisa Oetken at Main Street Mt. Pleasant, who works hard and tirelessly for our community! She is very much appreciated, and it would be very hard shoes to fill one day.”
While the weather added a challenge this year, attendees took it in stride. Herman said that her only complaint was the cold, a stark contrast to last year’s unseasonably warm temperatures.
McDowell shared a similar sentiment, adding, “The parade seemed bigger than ever, and we can only hope for good winter weather every year to enjoy it.”
Both Herman and McDowell enthusiastically recommended the event to others. “This particular event really does show our community coming together as one,” Herman said. “It’s also fun to see all the different things that our small town has to offer.”
“I absolutely recommend seeing the parade to everyone who is able,” McDowell echoed her sentiments.
As the night came to a close, the warmth of community and holiday cheer lingered, making the cold temperatures a small price to pay. For Herman, McDowell, and countless others, Holiday on Main is more than an event; it’s a beloved tradition that strengthens bonds and creates memories year after year.
“Like I said before,” Herman reflected, “I think just the memories that my family can make will definitely have us go back to this event in the future.”
McDowell agreed, adding, “We’ll be there every year we’re able!”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
