The 72nd Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade, "The Songs of Christmas" kicked off the holiday season in Chillicothe Saturday morning, November 17. The parade was sponsored by Hy-Vee, Hedrick Medical Center, and Midwest Gloves & Gear. The parade featured over 70 entries - floats, bands, vehicles, animals, mascots, and Santa from businesses, organizations, churches, youth groups, scout troops and schools. Entries were judged on use of theme, originality, and appearance. Winners will be mailed their proceeds. Those winning trophies will need to stop by the Chillicothe Chamber Office at 514Washington Street.
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For the first time ever, the Canadian Pacific Railroad Holiday Train stopped in Chillicothe recently. Despite the cold temperatures and light drizzle, hundreds turned out for the event. In addition to the arrival of the festively decorated train, a short concert was performed by The Trews and Willy Porter. Many of those in attendance also donated non-perishable food items to Chillicothe's House of Prayer Food Pantry. The train arrived in Chillicothe after having been in Ottumwa Monday morning. Upon its departure, the Holiday Train was headed to Kansas City. Andy Cummings from Canadian Pacific Railroad was very pleased with the turnout.
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Throughout the year and through the holiday season, citizens drop off new or gently used toys at 55 & Go, located at 440 Locust Street. The toys are then sorted, and volunteers begin filling tables with the soon-to-be gifts for Chillicothe's JOY TOY program. While dolls, cars, stuffed animals, board games and more are being cleaned and sorted upstairs, a team of volunteers work downstairs to repair donated bikes getting them road ready again. Those wishing to donate items to the Joy Toys program can do so from 9 a.m.4 p.m., Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. Those wishing to take part in the Joy Toys event as a volunteer or recipient can call the center at 660-646-0010.
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Main Street Chillicothe hosted the 4th Annual Memory Tree Lighting & Dedication Service recently at Silver Moon Plaza. During the event, more than 100 memorial ornaments requested for the ceremony were placed on the tree. The First Baptist Church Youth Choir sang songs, and Pastor Allen Brock gave a short sermon. The dedication service provides an opportunity to remember passed loved ones and honor their legacy. The proceeds go toward paying for the tree in Silver Moon Plaza and to continue to buy bulbs for future Memory Tree Lighting and Dedication Services. The tree will remain lit up, along with all of the downtown lights starting at 5 p.m., each night now through the first week of January.
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