Despite biting wind and dropping temperatures, families gathered along Main Street for the annual Holly Days Parade in downtown Galesburg on Sunday night.
This year’s theme, “The Great Galesburg Bake-Off,” featured festive, baking-themed floats, creative costumes and holiday lights from local businesses, organizations and community groups.
The evening began with the traditional Santa Rescue at 4:30 p.m. atop First Mid Bank & Trust. Santa and Mrs. Claus later joined the parade following the rescue, which rolled out at 5 p.m. The route ran from South Chambers and Main streets west to the Knox County Courthouse.
The Rotary Club of Galesburg organized the parade for the first time this year, with co-chairs Morgan Seabloom and Abby Colvin Thomas. Grand marshal honors went to Dick Lindstrom in celebration of 100 years of Lindstrom’s TV & Appliance. Blick Art Materials served as title sponsor and brought hundreds of walkers in matching shirts. The event also featured a Facebook livestream and the first-ever Kids Choice Award.
Organizers announced G & M Distributors Inc. as the first-place winner, followed by Lockwood Excavating & Construction in second and CBI Bank & Trust Galesburg in third. Galesburg Lumber received the Kids Choice Award.
Judges included Angie Buchen of the City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department, Pam Gaither of the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Doug Gibb of Compassus and youth judge Brynnley Balser.
Photos by Loran Lewis
