The City of Rochelle annual lighted parade is happening in reverse this year. Bundle your family into the car and head downtown for the “Cut the Square” reverse parade on Friday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.  Stationery floats will be decorated along the way, giving out goodies to those driving through. Head down Lincoln Highway, around Lincoln Avenue and back up Sixth Street to see Santa parked on the Flagg Township Historical Museum’s front lawn.
Santa’s reindeer will be stationed at Terri Schaeffer State Farm at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Lincoln Highway from 4 to 6 p.m. Downtown windows will be decorated as part of the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce “Merry and Bright” decorating contest.  
Speaking of decorating, bring out your inner Clark Griswold because the Rochelle Chamber has invited local households to decorate for the holidays and enter the “Merry and Bright” decorating contest for homes. To enter, simply contact the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce with your address at rochellechamber@gmail.com. Prizes for first, second and third place will be awarded to the best-decorated homes and businesses.  
Join Mayor and First Lady Bearrows on 102.3 The Coyote on Dec. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. as local children are invited to call in and have their holiday eishes heard by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lists may be dropped off at the radio station office in the May Mart shopping center anytime between now and Dec. 10. Children may also call into the show at 815-561-1023 to speak with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
New this year, the City of Rochelle is hosting Christmas Light Carriage rides through the Squires Landing and North Ridge subdivisions. Families may reserve a six-person carriage or a 10-person wagon ride throughout the neighborhoods in 20 minute increments throughout the month of December. The cost for a six-person carriage ride is $38 and $48 for a 10-person wagon ride. The rides begin and end at St. Paul Lutheran Church. To reserve a time, please contact Jenny Thompson at City Hall at jthompson@rochelleil.us or 815-561-2006.