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2015 Rockton Christmas Walk full of magical moments
By Marianne Mueller
Reporter
ROCKTON – Santa arrived in Rockton on Friday night to the Advia Credit Union as little ones shared Christmas wishes. This event kicked off the Rockton Christmas walk.
Families chose a favorite breakfast spot to start Saturday off on the right track. At the American Center the Rockton Lion’s Club served breakfast in conjunction with the American Legion and the help of local Boy Scouts.
As families enjoyed breakfast together Santa greeted little ones at the Old Stone Church “Breakfast with Santa.” Later in the day the jolly man visited with young and young at heart at the Dairy Haus.
Sounds of the season filled the air as the Valley Trail Riders rang bells while collecting for the Salvation Army. Horse drawn wagon and carriage rides proved to be a popular hot spot.
The Candy Cane Craft show featured 20 crafters with a nice variety of goods for all tastes or budgets. Inside the Greater Rockton Community Centre Mary Kay, children’s clothing, candles, jewelry and a special soap distributor offered unique pieces.
Five-year-old Ryatt Stargel of “Silly Soap by Ryatt” is a natural born entrepreneur. Her business originated with the help of her Mother.
“My Mom helps me with the lye. My ideas come when my brain tells me what to do,” said Stargel. “I am five years old and I never give up what I am doing.”.
The Rockton Township Historical Society bake sale offered a bonus of seeking out interesting, usable white elephant goods. More crafts and unique items were found at the Rockton United Methodist Church. Prince of Peace’s cookie walk and craft fair saw great results.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Rock River Valley organized a fair trade marketplace.
Excitement mounted as Sugar Britches opened its doors to a warm welcome from the community! The brand new old fashion candy store drew in constant crowds!
Rockton Sanctuary Spa celebrated two years in business with an open house. A collection was taken to benefit “Toys for Tots.
The Gem Shop held a drawing for a choice of a kid’s fossil kit or his or her watches.
Under the Direction of Zach Newman on guitar students from Whitman Post Elementary School sang Christmas carols at the Village Green Park. Keeping Katie Cronin’s memory alive her granddaughter read a poem prior to the lighting of Katie’s tree. Prince of Peace Church served hot chocolate in the park.
Following a countdown the park was brightly lit up including luminaries that surrounded the entire perimeter of the park. Santa arrived to greet young ones and families.
Many warmed up at the Rockton United Methodist Church chili supper or at the American Center before heading to the parade.
Open Arms Lutheran Church served hot chocolate and other goodies.
The Rockton municipal center served as a warming center.
The 2015 lighted Christmas parade was full of excitement and color. Many new highlights made this year’s parade memorable. As the American Legion Color Guard marched great applause arose. Colorful floats rolled down Rockton’s Main Street in an hour long parade. Churches, non- profit groups, youth organizations, businesses, SMTD, tumblers, dance troupes, Frosty and Santa plus performers blended nicely.
The Rockton Lion’s Club hosted the Wimpy’s fund auction. “The American Legion was wall to wall people at the auction and some even arrived before the parade,” said Rockton Lion’s Club President Kerri Wallace. “We received a donation from the South Beloit Lions in the amount of $2,500 and another $1,200 toward Wimpy’s fund from the Rockton American Legion Post #332.” Money raised from this event will be used to supply warm clothes, hats, mittens, and food for children and their families. Support of this long time tradition originally begun by Officer, Wimpy Vaughn has grown over the years.
Macktown Living History welcomed guests to celebrate Christmas at the Mack House.
McCorkle Funeral Home held a very special remembrance ceremony to honor lost loved ones. Angel ornaments went home with attendees in commemoration.
Talcott Library hosted a book sale and Chocolate for the Talcott Soul, rounding out the weekend events.
The Gary J. Bach Agency was the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Christmas Walk and served as Grand Marshals in the parade. The Gary J. Bach Agency has participated for numerous years in various capacities. Jamie Christiansen has served on the Christmas Walk committee, in addition to helping with decorating the park in past years. The Gary J. Bach Agency hosted a bone marrow donor registration drive during past Christmas Walks. Christiansen’s brother Jason and her nephew Nolan came down from Stevens Point Wisconsin to join in the fun. “We support the Rockton Christmas Walk because we think it is a magical event. We love Rockton and enjoy the tradition,” lauds Christiansen.
Marianne Mueller photo
2015 Christmas Walk
Lucy and Poppy Ellerbroek visited with Santa at the First American Credit Union during the Rockton Christmas Walk last weekend. See more photos inside.
