Article Options

Chester gears up for Christmas celebration this weekend

BY SCOTT FITZGERALD, THE SOUTHERN

Tuesday, December 2, 2008 11:08 PM CST

CHESTER - Each successive holiday season, the city of Chester's Christmas on the River celebration gets a new event.

This year, a Mistletoe Mile Fun Run for adults has been added to a three-day weekend of holiday activities that begins at 5 p.m. Friday, when city Mayor Marty Bert lights the Community Christmas Tree at Chester Square at Illinois 150 and Opdyke Street.

"We have good crowds. A lot of out-of-town people usually attend. This year, we're emphasizing children's activities," said Eileen Gordon, celebration publicity coordinator.

The emphasis on children's activities which includes a "Dasher's Dash" to Santa's house during the noon hour Saturday on State Street, is reflected in this year's celebration theme, "Christmas Through The Eyes Of A Child," Gordon said.

An activity that began a year earlier with a resounding success and response is the Friday night lighted parade that will begin at 7 p.m. at Chester High School.

Participation response for the parade has resulted in 16 entries and two marching bands, Gordon said.

The Chester Boat Club with assistance from a local mining company will host Santa Claus' initial appearance when he arrives by way of boat on the Mississippi River at 10 a.m. Saturday. Santa will be in the Chester Boat Club building to visit with children.

Sunday highlights include the traditional Community Christmas Program beginning at 2 p.m. at the Chester High School Gymnasium that will feature vocalists, musicians and the Muny Band.

Gordon said an abundance of arts and crafts for sale this year from local and visiting artisans has necessitated more than a single area for public viewing and shopping.

scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com

351-5076