Holidazzle comes to Charles City

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

He might not be in his sleigh, but Santa’s on his way.

Holiday revelers will need to look no further than toward the bright lights of downtown Charles City for the Jolly Old Elf as “Holidazzle” comes to America’s Hometown this Friday, Nov. 30.

The traditional holiday lighted parade starts at 6 p.m., and after that, Christmas carousers can take part in the new Holidazzle celebration until 8 p.m.

A holiday decked-out hayride courtesy of Swartzrock Implement will take shoppers to numerous stores along a loop that will run through downtown.

“You’ll have some warm blankets to cuddle with,” said Emily Garden, Charles City events coordinator.

“We’re really excited to see those people that come out every year for the holiday lighted parade, and want them to stay downtown and enjoy what we have for shops and retail spaces,” said Garden.

Santa will make his appearance from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the newly remodeled Santa House in Central Park. Garden said volunteers have helped with a makeover for the Santa House, with lots of new decorations inside.

Folks can stay warm with hot cocoa and enjoy plenty of Christmas treats to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Christmas carolers, courtesy of the Charles City High School choral department, will sing holiday tunes and hymns to keep the Christmas mood light and lively.

The Hy-Vee Candy Cane hunt takes place after the parade in Central Park. It is free and open to kids ages 12 and under.

Pizza by the slice will be available at Cedar River Pizza Co. from 5-8 p.m. Slices will be $4 each and 25 percent of the proceeds on the pizza sales will go back to the Community Revitalization efforts.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa will be holding their first Shivering for Soup Supper from 5-7 p.m. at the Columbus Club. All proceeds will benefit the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Floyd County.

At Saxony’s, sister store LBL will have a pop-up shop in store, and Scratch Cup Cakes will also have a pop-up-shop Friday evening.

Participating Holidazzle retailers are: The Rustic Corner, Schiller Fine Art Gallery and Framing, Mara, Otto’s Oasis, Unique Country Store, A Plus Nails, Darbe & Co., Lidd + Cordray, Saxony, Hy-Vee, Jacie Garden – Independent Scentsy Director, Roffman Band Instrument Service, Rachel Adam LuLaRoe, Birdies and Bo’s, and Artwear.

“We’ve had a great response from the businesses,” said Garden.

Garden said there are 17 floats registered for the parade.

“We’re at a many-year high on registrations,” Garden said.

The theme for this year’s Christmas parade is “Christmas Movie Night.” New this year are awards for “Best Use of Theme,” “Brightest,” and the “Community Revitalization President’s Pick.”

Community Revitalization is organizing the holiday lighted parade and Holidazzle. The Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce organizes the Santa House.

Youngsters will also get the chance to see Santa from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 22; from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15; and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23.

For more information, contact the Community Development Office at 641-228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.