Christmas displays in Central Park, fireworks off Main Street Bridge light up Charles City

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

Hundreds of folks turned out on a chilly but not-too cold evening Saturday to witness the beginning of what is hoped to become a new Christmas tradition in downtown Charles City.

At 5:30 p.m., after a countdown, three separate switches were flipped by three people who had been selected to represent various age groups, resulting in lighting up the four quadrants of Central Park as Santa’s Shining Lights Show, with Christmas-themed displays sponsored and built by businesses and organizations.

Almost 30 displays plus the Santa House are part of the display, with the four sections lined off from the sidewalks around and through the park with white lights.

The persons selected to flip the switches to turn on the lighted Central Park displays were Leland Majewski, son of Connie Majewski, selected to represent elementary school children; Hudson Gates, son of Jessica Kiefer & Brandon Gates, representing middle school and high school students; and Teresa Miller, representing the adults.

Santa’s Shining Lights Show in the park was the brainchild of the Charles City Rotary Satellite Club, which approached Main Street Charles City about coming up with a way to create attractions downtown, to help boost local businesses and to contribute to the Christmas spirit.

Tami Vetter, a Rotary Satellite Club member and owner of The Rustic Corner, said the day Saturday had been good for business.

“It’s been really busy today,” she said Saturday evening before the lighting event. “It’s been a great week, actually. I talked to other businesses in town and everyone’s been super busy. A lot of out-of-towners, which is awesome after last year. Can’t complain.”

The event in the park was followed up by a fireworks display shot off from the Main Street bridge, which was closed for half an hour for set-up, firing the fireworks and clean-up.

The display was by J&M Displays, of Yarmouth, Iowa, and was sponsored by Hauser-Weishaar Funeral Home, The Bridge, Cedar Valley Iowa Realty, Dairy Queen, Hot Shots, the Comet Bowl, Central Park Dentistry, Derailed, Tellurian Brewing, The Pub on the Cedar and Calhoun Transportation.

Food trucks were also available along the park, including Cedar Valley Express, All About Cheesesteaks and Shiverin’ Squirrel serving mini donuts and hot pretzels, and McCoy Smoothies served hot chocolate.

Also opening Saturday was the Memory Lane of names along Riverside Drive and the Cedar River, starting at Joslin Street and over to the new pedestrian bridge.

Events are planned each Saturday before Christmas.

• Dec. 4 – Santa’s Arrival organized by Main Street Charles City, including music, horse and wagon rides with Santa, hot drinks and a food truck on site (see related story on this page). The evening will also include the annual Hy-Vee candy cane hunt.
• Dec 11 – Christmas Caroling organized by the Bethany Alliance Church and a kids movie at the Charles Theatre. Santa at the Santa House from 4-6 p.m.
• Dec 18 – Santa’s Last Stop weekend organized by Main Street Charles City. This will be the last time Santa will be at his house in Central Park to visit with the kids. Another kids movie will also be presented at the theater.