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‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ comes true for Holiday Stroll
By Virginia Ekstrand
Dec. 14, 2023 7:46 am
The 2023 Holiday Stroll weather turned out to match this year’s theme. However, everyone arrived dressed appropriately on the outside with plenty of warmth in their hearts ready for a great evening. All the hard work and anxious moments getting ready for the Stroll were well worth it and a wonderful turnout filled Main Street.
Santa’s parade began the evening festivities. Aria Lane & the Celebration School of Dance led the parade down Main Street. They were followed by the beautifully decorated horse drawn wagon full of strollers. Santa and Mrs. Claus rode safely with Tiger Towing to Santa’s house where a line of eager children awaited him. After settling in his red velvet chair, the evening began.
The easiest way to describe the Stroll is to simply return to the beginning and wend our way east down the North side of Main Street and return going west on the South side of the street. After Santa left K&M Automotive, the parking lot became the place to board the horse drawn wagon for a trot around town viewing the lights and activities. Coming up on Walnut Street, Mimi the Clown was entertaining visitors with her jokes. The fire was roaring ready to roast marshmallows and make S’mores.
Crossing the street and into the long block to Division, the old New London Journal Office windows were filled with live children. The first window held a biblical manger scene celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas. The second wind had children enjoying reading around the Christmas tree. Grow N Glow Pre-school teachers, parents and children are great entertainers. Woobies is decorated and ready for visitors. Not far down the block, next to Staley-Nehring Construction, face painting is taking place. A time to stop and warm u is provided at the Guitar Shop. Wonderful live guitar music encourages strollers to sing along. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is very popular. Just past Lorber Insurance, Hair Company welcomes everyone with delicious cookie and candy snacks. A character artist resides there to draw memories of the 2023 Stroll. A stop at City Hall to sign up for the prize drawings is an absolute necessity.
Crossing Division brings you to a short block. First, however, a detour is required to go a block north and a little west to the New London Community Center where the Holiday Stroll committee offers its Walking Tacos. In the Community Center there is also a booth set up by the Post Prom Committee, a character artist and popcorn for all. Returning to Main Street, the Nugen Library welcomes the traditional Magician in the Ramey Room. A hug crowd enjoys his show which contains magic and ventriloquism. This year Aria Lane is singing in the vestibule of the library upstairs. A few more steps and there is Santa’s house. A long line of patient children and families wait to see Santa. This year an extra special treat of a teddy bear is added to Santa’s gifts of the day.
One is able to diagonally cross the street to Brecht’s Auto. Here in the warmth of the garage, one can take a bit of a weather break and shop for some wonderful Christmas items and handmade products. Outside DeLovely’s Delicious Mini Donuts offers a sweet snack. Heading west now on the southside of Main Street, one recrosses Division Street and another line. Upon entry to the Fire Station, one is greeted with a smile and a cookie to decorate. Just past the frosting is the door to the garage — cleared of fire equipment for the night — filled with all sorts of animals to pet and learn about. The Petting Zoo is an annual project of Hometown Veterinary.
The donkey kept everyone alert as he used his bray to greet visitors. After leaving the Fire Station, Helmerson Chiropractic is next. Kyle keeps a special direct to Santa mailbox. Families also had Polaroid photos taken to remember this evening. The former Linkin Center is now filled with a new business, Outlaw Tee. Lance and crew allowed the return of the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. It is wonderful to stroll by the vividly decorated and brightly lit trees. Crossing Walnut Street, a stop at the Danville State Savings Branch. In the main part of the office, the Methodist Women hold an old fashioned Cake Walk. For a quarter and a little walk, a chance at a delicious product made by one of the ladies.
A bit further on, Dover Museum is providing its creamed chicken sandwich, choice of bun or biscuit. This year the piano is activated, and Christmas music is played throughout dinner. The Burge Cemetery Board offers a free will donation for improvements planned at the cemetery including an area honoring veterans. One is not done with Dover because on the corner, the Depot is set up with a model train running — whistle and all. There is also a chance to learn about sending Christmas messages by telegraph as was done many years ago. Last but not least, crossing the street brings you to the end of the Stoll. Jet Stop has hot dogs and hot chocolate ready. As you can tell, one of the goals of the Stroll is making sure you don’t leave hungry.
Special mention needs to be made regarding the Holiday Stroll’s own “Street Walkers.” The 4-H Lads and Lassies are dressed as live holiday characters and visit the festive sites and keep the season’s mood fun and enjoyable. It is not too soon to put the Holiday Stroll on your 2024 calendar. It is always the second Saturday of December. Don’t forget to thank members of the Committee and support the efforts throughout 2024 to make next year’s stroll even more enjoyable.