©2011 Galesburg Broadcasting Co.
| Weather Doesn't Keep Locals From Celebrating Christmas |
Oh the weather outside was a bit frightful but the mood was certainly delightful.
Galesburg residents got their chance to officially welcome the Christmas holiday with the annual Christmas parade in downtown Galesburg Sunday. Over 60 groups participated in the festivities even though the temperature Sunday afternoon was barely reaching 20 degrees. Galesburg citizens were treated to music, dancing, groups in costume, and even the occasional animal in the parade.
Before the parade got started, the Galesburg Fire Department were called to the First Bank Building at 101 East Main for a rescue of a certain individual donning and big red suit and a big white beard. Santa Claus got himself stuck up on the roof of the bank.
Galesburg Fire Department Battalion Chief Craig Brady told WGIL they were called to the scene for a rescue operation and they came around the corner to see the man in the red suit in distress on top of the bank. After a successful rescue by the Galesburg Fire Department, Santa was welcomed back to the ground with children gathering and cheering him on as well as a special greeting form Mrs. Claus.
The streets of Chambers, Main, and Cherry, were filled with children of all ages waving at the star of the parade who was rescued by fire department authorities. Most of the on-lookers arrived early enough to see the rescue and brave the cold weather. All the participants were judged on their parade entries in categories of best vehicle, best float, and best marchers.
(A man Galesburg Fire Department officials later identified as Santa Claus calls out for help Sunday from the top of the First Bank Building in Galesburg.)
(Galesburg Fire Department officials rescue Santa from the First Bank roof with their ladder truck.)
(A group dressed up as the characters from the movie "Shrek" was one of the over 60 entries in this year's Galesburg Holiday Parade. WGIL News Story and Photos by Dominic Fortini.) |
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| 12 07 08 by Newsroom |
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