Area events kick off the holiday season

By Doug Schroder

Editor

OGLE COUNTY – Two area events took place this past weekend to kick off the holiday season. On Friday, Dec. 4, Byron had the Miracle on 2nd Street, and then on Sunday, Dec. 6, Stillman Valley had their Cardinal Community Christmas. Each event rang in the Christmas holiday with joyous happenings in the respective towns.

Byron’s Miracle on 2nd Street kicked off the festivities on Friday, Dec. 4, featuring many businesses that opened during that time. Byron Bank went by the theme of Mad for Plaid and had cookies and cider for revelers to enjoy. Other businesses gave out cookies and drinks during the evening.

Many other businesses were open and participated in the celebration. People lined the streets and many came to get in line for a visit with Santa Claus at the village town hall. Burning barrels were set up along the way to help keep people warm, but the temperature was somewhat fair as the temperature hovered in the 40’s.

The annual tree display took place at the Byron Museum, with people voting on their favorite trees.

Wagon and carriage rides were available to those who wanted to ride.

Then on Sunday, Dec. 6, Stillman Valley had their Cardinal Christmas celebration, which featured pictures with Santa at Stillman Bank, plus the tree lighting and horse drawn wagon rides Freshly made cider donuts were a big hit. The vendor fair held beforehand had approximately 45 vendors.

Vickie, Chase and Bob Beardsley enjoy a ride upon the horse-drawn wagon at the Cardinal Community Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 6. Doug Schroder photo

These two events were a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.