A group of spectators watch the annual Twinkle Light Parade Friday night on Center Street. News Now Warsaw Photo by Dan Spalding.
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Mild temps and dry conditions on Friday night — ten night before Christmas — helped bring out a large crowd for Downtown Warsaw’s Christmas Celebration.
This year’s celebration was rescheduled from Dec. 1 because of heavy rains and the change turned out to be worthwhile as a large crowd turned out for the annual Twinkle Light Parade that featured more than 50 entries, many lit up with Christmas lights.
Throngs of people lined up along Center and Indiana streets for the parade as children scavenged large amounts of candy from streets.
The parade included retiring Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer who concludes 12 years of service in City Hall at the end of the month, and entertainer Suzie McEntire who is returning for her tenth annual Country Christmas Concert at Lakeview Middle School on Saturday night.
Scott Wiley, member relations manager for the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, called the night an overwhelming success.
Friday’s event was also the first time it included a Christmas market, which attracted 22 vendors.
Hundreds of children were able to meet Santa and get their photo taken at the Warsaw breakfast optimist Santa house. Two horse-drawn carriages provided nonstop rides which were free to the public and provided by Main Street Warsaw.
The food plaza featured six restaurants, Wiley said.
Wiley said the combination of music, food, and the parade made it feel “like being in the middle of a Hallmark movie … minus the drama.”
“Our new Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Warsaw event coordinator, Mackenzie Parker, did a wonderful job of organizing this event that had many moving parts,” Wiley said.
Main Street Warsaw had support for the event from Kensington Digital Media (which promoted the upcoming Ornament Smash), the city of Warsaw and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.
The event was sponsored by Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation.
A view of the parade as it passes the Kosciusko County Courthouse on Center Street. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spaldinjg.
Dry streets during the Twinkle Parade made candy collection easier this year. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding
A flatbed full of inflatables. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
Candy dispersers were busy Friday night. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
The courthouse had some festive lights. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
Center Street was lined up with spectators. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
At left, Scott Shelhart, of Shelhart Acre Farms, Claypool, was selling a variety of Alpca-related products from Peru (South America). Behind him is his daughter, Abby. Also pictured is Ann Baker, (center) who purchased a pair of Alpaca socks. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
The southeast part of the courthouse lawn had numerous vendors. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
From left, Damon Fritzinger, Sky Earl and Dustin Earl brought a collection of items for sale to the Friday night celebration. Their products include handmade wood boxes and items made with an automated carving machine and accented with a touch of woodburning. Fritzinger is from Greencastle. The Earls live in Indianapolis. They said Friday marked the first time they were attempting to sell items at an event and were enjoying themselves. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
At left, with her back to the camera, Amy Chambers, with Fellowship Missions, serves up blueberry, cherry and peach turnovers to a line of customers Friday night at the Christmas celebration in downtown Warsaw. Chambers is also involved with the Fellowship Mission’s food truck. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
Cell phone cameras were out in force during the parade. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
Brightly lit vehicles head down Indiana Street past spectators. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer (and grandchildren) rode in a carriage during the parade. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
Natalie Linnemeier, who won a talent contest earlier this year during Third Friday, was part of the entertainment. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.
Central Park was engulfed in lights and Christmas cheer. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.