A crowd gathers around the big Christmas tree on Main Street in Gladbrook during the 24th Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Contributed photo

The Gladbrook community kicked off the holiday season with the 24th Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities on Wednesday, Dec. 1. It was also the lighting of the 16th Festival of Trees in the City Center. It was a beautiful warm December night. We believe this was the largest crowd we have ever had for a tree lighting, so that was exciting. Young and old alike really enjoyed the “Candy Cane & Peppermint Lane” theme.

The upper level of the City Center was alive with the laughter of children as they visited with Santa Claus and received their “Santa Sacks”.

Everyone was amazed by the beautifully decorated trees they viewed as they walked through the peppermint lane. There are 34 amazing displays including gingerbread houses and unique and colorful trees.

The trees were judged and winners are: Religious- Peace Church; Organizations- Alpha Study Group; Business- Goos Implement; Youth- Wolfcreek Whirlwinds 4-H Club; Individual- ISU Fan Memory of Karen Pieper; and Judges Choice- Gladbrook Fire Department; & Honorable Mention- Gladbrook Jr. Auxiliary.

Everyone enjoyed riding on the beautifully lighted trolley pulled by a team of Belgians belonging to Dennis Dostal. The trolley rides were sponsored by Great Western Bank and Goos Implement.

Liam Stephenson is pictured with Santa Claus at the Gladbrook City Center during the Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities on Dec. 1. Contributed photo

Outside hot dogs and hot apple cider were served.

Kids led the count down to the lighting of the large evergreen tree donated by Darrell & Jeanne Paustian. The GMG Choir entertained the crowd by singing a number of traditional Christmas carols. The Gladbrook Commercial Club would like to extend a big thank you to the students for sharing their beautiful music.

The lucky winners of the $25 trade dollars were Cindy Dirks, Melissa McDonald, Morgan Shannon, & Lynna Hauser. In total, 242 kids registered for prizes and everyone that stayed to the end of the program received a present. Thanks to the donations of the Gladbrook area businesses and the Commercial Club

The Festival of Trees will be on display in the upstairs of the City Center throughout the month of December. The times to view the display are Mon-Thur. 8-3; Fri. 8-3 and 7-9; Sat. and Sun. 2-4 & 7-9. The City Center will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25.

You will be very pleasantly surprised when you visit the “Festival of Trees”, so bring your family, friends and neighbors. We would like to thank all the businesses, organizations, churches and individuals that participated.

The GMG Choir traveled to Gladbrook to entertain the outdoor crowd at the tree lighting with a number of festive carols. Contributed photo

The lucky winners of the $25 in trade dollars were Cindy Dirks, Melissa McDonald, Morgan Shannon, and Lynna Hauser. Contributed photo

A view of the Peppermint Lane Christmas Tree exhibit on display now at the Gladbrook City Center. The display will remain open through the month of December for visitors looking for a bit of holiday cheer. Contributed photo

Contributed photo