Worship Team Sings at Festival of Lights

Several weeks ago when hard-working lighting crews hung greenery and holiday flags on lampposts around the square, they probably imagined that glorious warm days like this would be few. Yet, with sunshine and daytime temperatures inching into the 50’s—despite December’s soon-to-arrive status—this year’s Festival of Lights celebration couldn’t have ordered more perfect weather. As the afternoon faded into dusk, Winterset families gathered on the square to enjoy the community event of the holiday season.

It all got started about mid-afternoon when the Iowa Theater opened its doors, inviting children young and old to a free showing of the new holiday classic, “The Polar Express.” With roaring trains, colorful packages, and Santa’s village on their minds, movie-goers stepped outside the theater and caught a glimpse of Mr. Claus himself! Inside the courthouse the jolly fellow smiled cheerfully as little ones sat upon his knee and whispered Christmas wishes in his ear. To capture the moment for moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas, Annie Weaver snapped Christmas portraits as keepsakes.

 

There’s rarely a community gathering in this little town that doesn’t involve music, and the Festival of Lights was no exception. Winterset High School choir singers put their voices to good use, strolling the square sharing Christmas carols with bundled up festival-goers. When the courthouse clock struck six times, family and friends bunched together on the building’s west lawn capturing video, digital photos, even camera phone shots of the Wee Learners Preschool boys and girls. After the 50 or so young participants sang their repertoire of songs, they received an enthusiastic applause (muffled by warm winter mittens) and many a kiss and hug from proud parents.

 

Next, the coloring contest winners were announced: in the pre-k through kindergarten category—Jack Kimball, in the first and second grade division—Kaley Elkrin from I-35, and in the third to fourth grade group—JoAnn Nielsen from Winterset.

 

These young artists were followed by members of Winterset Community Church’s worship team, including sisters Kris McDonald and Brenda Holt, Charlie Easter, Bill and Karen Brookhart, and John Gambrall on drums. Together, the group played and sang a combination of upbeat praise songs and well-loved Christmas carols. Anything to get the toes tapping was appreciated as the sun, soundly set, gave way to chillier temperatures. And thanks to some thoughtful party planners, another chance to warm up a bit—barrel drum heaters set up around the courthouse drew grateful folks to their crackling wood fires.

 

Many sampled toasty, sugar-coated fry bread and steaming cups of hot chocolate. All around the square there were good things to eat and memories to be made. Yet twinkling stars weren’t the only holiday lights the crowd planned to see. Just in the nick of time, Santa and his elves captured the evening’s last Christmas photo and quick as a wink, Santa left his seat inside the courthouse and climbed aboard a waiting fire engine outside.

 

As float after float displayed a variety of Madisonians “rocking around the Christmas tree,” gleeful children dashed into the street collecting stocking hats full of candy the floats left behind. But even candy couldn’t hold their attention when the parade’s animal participants happened by. There were dogs in festive coats, and a little donkey carrying “Mary.” The latter kindly stepped to the side for a horse-drawn carriage to breeze past, as they completed the two-loop parade circuit.

 

Then the moment everyone was waiting for—Santa Claus flipped the switch and Winterset’s square filled with Christmas lights. A joint “oooh” rose from the crowd, and children pointed and jumped up and down at the beautiful sight.

 

For the remainder of the season, you can enjoy Winterset’s holiday lights each evening and jolly holiday music from the courthouse speakers to accompany your Christmas shopping excursions. Happy holidays!