The Catlin Festival of Lights and Christmas Parade will once again be an all afternoon and into the evening event, set for this Sunday, December 1st, starting with the 1 to 4 PM Christmas Craft Bazaar at both the Village Hall and Fire Station.
At 2 PM, they’ll begin the free horse and carriage rides in the downtown area. Downtown is also where you’ll find ice carving demonstrations from 3 to 5.
Getting back to the craft bazaar, Festival of Lights and Parade Committee Chairman Greg Learnerd says the bazaar itself is a great way to lead off the festival, and it has grown over the years.
AUDIO: Yes, it has gotten bigger. I don’t remember how remember how many additional vendors we have this year compared to last; but we have a lot of interest in the community as far as vendors, and people that want to come in and purchase as well. So, it’s been very well received.
The parade runs from 6 to 7 PM, stepping off at Salt Fork High School and finishing at Village Hall. And once again, Greg Learnerd reminds us, the tradition will continue with all the floats being returned to the parking lot behind Salt Fork High School for drive-by viewing from 7 to 8 PM.
AUDIO: During the COVID pandemic, we kind of had a drive-by parade; where we put the floats out, and people drove through town to see them. We got some good reception for that. So now the older folks, or whoever can’t stand out in the weather, we kind of do that just for convenience for them. If they want to see the floats, they can, without standing out in the cold for an hour.
And, of course, don’t forget the Community Meal from 3 to 5 PM at Catlin Methodist Church. It includes chili, hot dogs, dessert, popcorn, hot chocolate, and activities for the kids.
