22nd Annual Christmas On The River
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[As plans continue for the City of Chester's 22nd Annual Christmas on the River celebration new and returning events are being planned.
The celebration officially starts with the "Grand Illumination" at Chester Square Gazebo Park. For the first time this holiday season, the lights of the community Christmas tree will be lit by Mayor Joe Eggemeyer. A dedication of the holiday season will be given and the Chester High School Band, directed by Steve Colonel, will dazzle the community with holiday music. Mike Lochhead will be the Master of Ceremonies for this event.
The Lighted Christmas Parade has proven to be an event for everyone. Young in age and young at heart can expect to enjoy singing, music and lights, lights, lights. If you were to walk the parade route you would find fire pits in the front yards of some folks offering warmth to friends, family and parade goers. If you were to continue to the 1200 block of Swanwick Street you will find business owners opening their doors to offer warmth and a few of them offer hot chocolate, soup, cookies, sausages and cheese. "It was the hope of the parade committee that this parade could somehow bring our community together for the start of the holiday season and by simply walking the parade route one can see just that". For more information call Patti at 826-1430.
Returning this year is the Christmas Coloring Contest for kids kindergarten thru 3rd grade. Coloring sheets will be passed out at the St John's, St. Mary's and Chester Grade Schools. A 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner will be chosen from each grade at each school. Coloring sheets are available at the Chester City Hall. All entries must be received by 3pm, Wednesday, November 24th and may be turned in at City Hall. For more information contact Cherie at 826-4888.
The committee will continue to hold the Christmas Story/Essay Contest this year. Information sheets will be distributed at St. John's, St. Mary's and Chester Grade Schools. This contest is for grades 4th thru 8th and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner will be chosen from each grade at each school. Participants are to write a story/essay using the theme," I'll be home for Christmas". Entries must be received by 3pm, Wednesday, November 24th and may be turned in at City Hall. For more information contact Cherie at 826-4888.
The Christmas Tree Decorating Contest will be held again this year. Individuals, groups, businesses and organizations are encouraged to decorate a tree that represents their creativity, talent, organization or business. Participants will need to provide their own tree and decorations. Participants will be allowed to decorate their tree on Thursday, December 2nd, between 12 and 8 pm. A winner will be chosen in each of the following categories: Most Unique, Most Creative, Most Original, and Best of Show. The Chester Fire Department has graciously allowed the trees to be created and displayed at the Firehouse. The trees will be on display Saturday, December 4th from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday, December 5th from 11 am to 2 pm. For more information call Patti at 826-1430.
The Traveling Trophy Storefront Decorating Contest judging will be held on Thursday, December 2nd from 5:30-7 pm. Businesses are encouraged to decorate their storefronts in the spirit of the holiday season and have a little friendly competition for the title and the Traveling Trophy. Business should call Judy at 615-8314 to enter. The winner will be announced at the Community Tree Lighting on Friday, December 3rd at the Chester Square Gazebo.
As is this river city's tradition, Santa will arrive at the Chester waterfront at 10 a.m. Saturday morning by way of the mighty Mississippi River, courtesy of the Chester Boat Club. The Chester High School Band will be on hand and provide holiday music under the direction of Steve Colonel. Everyone is invited to the Chester Boat Club following his arrival for refreshments.
The annual Arts and Crafts Sale is an attraction you won't want to miss. This sale is a must for shoppers looking for that special gift. More than 50 vendors will be on hand.
Evergreen Cemetery will be home to memorial signs for loved ones. For more information contact Bertha Mae at 826-4187.
If your business is planning an Open House please let us know and we will include it in the itinerary for the weekend. You may call 826-1430 and leave a message for Patti.
Anyone wishing more information should contact Patti at 826-1430. Merry Christmas from the Christmas on the River Committee.