Story by Ricardo Moreno Jr.
Cold weather and snow on the ground are the first signs of winter, and shining lights on a December night are the signs of the Elysian Holidazzle Parade. The city and various groups in Elysian worked hard to create a day full of activities that would spur the holiday spirit in every child and adult present on December 6th. For families with children in 4th grade and younger, the place to be in the morning light was the Elysian Fire Hall. Mrs. Claus and the Fire Department coordinated to give the children and their guardians sweet and scrumptious pancakes before taking pictures and having fun with Santa’s #1 supporter. Activities with Mrs. Claus were sponsored by the Lake Area Women.
Also taking place in the morning was the Christmas Sale-A-Thon & Bake Sale, sponsored by St. Andrew’s Church. The church hall hosted vendors and crafts makers whose wares and creations could be the perfect gift or stocking stuffer this holiday season. One elf-sized person was not required at the Sale-A-Thon, people of all ages were welcome to peruse the vendor stalls throughout the morning. As noon arrived, lunch was served in the form of warm soup and succulent sandwiches.
Families might have spent the afternoon gathered at a relative’s house and some people might have spent the time at one of Main Street’s bars, but everyone was waiting for the main event of the day; the Holidazzle Parade. At 6:30 p.m., when the sun was out of sight and the cold was rising in the air, the City of Elysian and the Elysian Area Foundation signaled the parade of festively lit trucks, warmly dressed pageant royalty, and a human-sized beaver to begin the march down Main Street. Dazzling lights and joyful cheers gave proof that the Holidazzle Parade and the day of activities had done their part to start December off right. 
