Bright TIME
WHAT A
It’s the right time for holiday parades, which again see the light of day after last year’s cancellations
Story by Mike Murphy Photos by Scott Anderson and Tom Sistak
Parade lovers suffered last year as Starved Rock Country holiday parades were diminished or even canceled due to COVID-19, but such events are making a comeback this year.
The days following Thanksgiving will feature lighted parades, both on downtown streets and in subdivisions. Here’s what’s in store as the holidays kick off.
Marseilles Holiday Magic parade
LA SALLE
Beginning Nov. 15, motorists can drive through Rotary Park for the annual Celebration of Lights, featuring hundreds of illuminated displays. Hours will be 5-9 p.m. weekdays and Sundays as well as 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and the week of the Christmas holiday. The celebration also will be open to traffic 5-9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Downtown La Salle will showcase its Miracle on First Street event Dec. 4. It will be connected to the city’s Christkindlmarket.
Learn more about La Salle’s Christkindlmarket and Ottawa’s Chris Kringle Market on P. 38!
MARSEILLES
“Holiday Magic,” a lighted parade, will begin Dec. 4 and will be open to all businesses, groups and individuals. You can line up beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Illinois Valley Cellular building. “Light Up Knudson Park” will feature the city’s downtown park lit up and be open to viewing for pedestrians and motorists.
16 | Winter 2021 • Starved Rock Country
MORRIS
Three days of activities will make up the city’s Home for the Holidays celebration, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 26-28. The annual Lighted Holiday Parade will begin 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26, running on Liberty Street to the Grundy County Courthouse to Chapin Park. Chapin Park will be lit at 6 p.m., and children can visit with Santa Claus from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday features also will include carriage rides and craft making. A Christmas house walk will highlight Saturday activities along with a visit by Santa and his reindeer on the courthouse lawn.
OTTAWA
Lights will be in the sky as well as on floats Nov. 26 during the city’s Festival of Lights. The annual parade will step off 6 p.m. at Washington Square downtown and proceed south on La Salle Street to the Jordan block, where a large Christmas tree will be lit. Santa Claus once again will conclude the parade and take residence in his Jordan block house, which previously had been located in Washington Square.
