After an altered 2020 year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Rochelle’s Old Fashioned Christmas Walk returned to its usual form on Friday night.
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ROCHELLE — After an altered 2020 year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Rochelle’s Old Fashioned Christmas Walk returned to its usual form on Friday night.
The night began with the lighted parade sponsored by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce with local businesses and organizations in holiday-themed vehicles traveling through the downtown.
Following the parade, Mayor John Bearrows led a ceremony at city hall and Santa lit the Christmas tree.
Bearrows presented the city’s annual Gratitude Award to Chuck and Lydia Roberts for their work in the community to bring light to the history of veterans and their service. The Roberts run a museum, work with Wreaths Across America, provide military equipment for parades and events and work with the local VFW.
“This year's recipients have spent hours upon hours to bring light to the many servicemen and women who have devoted their lives,” Bearrows said. “They’ve worked diligently to educate everyone about the past history of many in our own community who have served. I've been so impressed with the dedication and devotion they've given to this community.”
Chuck and Lydia were on hand to receive the award.
“I'm totally humbled by this and was not expecting it at all,” Chuck said. “Thank you very much. This will be cherished greatly at the museum.”
The Rochelle Township High School Madrigals sang at the tree lighting and afterwards at the Flagg Rochelle Public Library.
Santa was at the Flagg Township Museum throughout Friday evening to hear children’s Christmas wishes. Horse and carriage rides also ran during the night from the museum.
Food was available downtown Friday night and downtown businesses had their doors open for those attending the Christmas festivities. Remedy Boutique Tanning won the chamber’s Merry and Bright Decorating contest for its “Live Elf” display.
The VFW Women’s Auxiliary held a craft & vendor show Friday and Saturday to benefit the VFW Women’s Auxiliary Scholarship Fund and Santa returned Saturday at the VFW to hear more Christmas lists from children.
