FORT MADISON - The Christmas season will be rung in today in Fort Madison with the annual lighter parade tonight and then Mistletoe on Main Street and The Enchanted Forest Saturday morning morning.
As the streets of Fort Madison’s Historic District get ready to kick off the 2019 holiday season, many families, friends and visitors will line Avenue G on November 29th at 6:30 PM, the day after Thanksgiving, to witness the magnificent sight of the Annual Parade of Lights.
More than 40 completely lit floats will once again flow through downtown creating a magical Christmas experience for everyone young and old in the anticipation of Santa’s arrival.
Spectators enjoying the parade will get to see many of their favorite floats that make this parade truly a one of a kind experience in our area. Floats include a rocking horse, a merry go round, a fireplace with real fire, a snowman being built, a giant snow globe and of course the Lighted Parade train are just a few of the many lighted floats.
“We have converted all the existing floats over to LED the last couple years which has helped with maintenance needs”, stated Thomas Older, 2019 Parade Chairman.
“Although we may not have a new float this year, we were able to offer new sponsorships opportunities to a few existing floats with the goal to look at getting those businesses interested and planning early for the 2020 parade and a new float idea.”
Volunteers are always needed. Those interested in participating, please contact the Partners office- maybe you have design ideas for a new float, welding skills to offer or the willingness to help light the floats to keep the parade going forward are always welcome.
As in the past, there will be no parking along Avenue G between 11-13th streets all day Friday the 29th and starting at 5:00 pm along Avenue G between 5th-11th streets. Also, every evening following the Parade of Lights, the floats will be lit and on display in Riverview Park for drive-by viewing until the first week in January.
On Saturday, kick off the holiday season in Fort Madison with Mistletoe on Main. The Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce will host the holiday open house as part of Small Business Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. downtown.
The holiday spirit will shine bright as stores offer holiday savings and tasty treats for their customers. While you are searching for that one special gift, your family can ring in the holiday season with Mistletoe on Main Activities.
There will be fun for the whole family including a walk through downtown as local carolers sing in the Pocket Park, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage that showcases our historic district and take pictures with the “North Pole Express” train engine.
Tickets for the horse-drawn carriage rides are $2 per person and can be purchased at Dawgs & Divas, 707 9th Street, during the event. Check out the “Mistletoe on Main” Facebook event or grab a brochure for store specials and events that you will find at this magical event.
Mistletoe on Main is the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping while enjoying all that the holiday season has to offer.
The Chamber is also bringing back The Enchanted Forest! Located in the old Lee County Bank building, 803 Avenue G, the Enchanted Forest will be open on November 29th after the Lighted Parade. Over 20 trees decorated by local businesses will be on display. During Mistletoe on Main, the Forest will be open from 10 am to 2 pm and Santa will be making a special appearance from 10 am to 12 pm.
The Enchanted Forest will also be open for your viewing pleasure on December 7th, 14th, and 21st from 2 to 4 pm with Santa.
Thank you to our Carriage Sponsor, Cure Solutions. This event is also sponsored by Edward Jones-Larry Kelch, Connection Bank and Insurance, Climax Molybdenum, Casebine Community Credit Union, Pilot Grove Savings Bank, Farmers Savings Bank, North Lee County Historical Society, and the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce.
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