Despite biting wind and dropping temperatures, families gathered along Main Street for the annual Holly Days Parade in downtown Galesburg on Sunday night.

Heavy farm equipment wrapped in holiday lights rolls through downtown Galesburg during Sunday’s Holly Days Parade. Lighted displays were required for all parade entries.

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.

A cookie-themed float rolls along the parade route during Sunday’s Holly Days Parade in downtown Galesburg, which featured the theme “The Great Galesburg Bake-Off.”

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.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are rescued from the roof of First Mid Bank & Trust by the Galesburg Fire Department to kick off the Holly Days Parade on Sunday in downtown Galesburg.

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.

A family heads toward the Santa Rescue in frigid conditions ahead of the Holly Days Parade in downtown Galesburg.

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.

A young spectator smiles as she waits for Santa to be rescued from the roof of First Mid Bank & Trust.

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