The 8th annual Valentine’s Heart of Christmas Celebration was held November 25, 2023 on Small Business Saturday. Main Street was busy for the downtown merchants during shopping hours, and at 6:00 p.m., was festive as the parade began.
There were two different divisions with Justin Hartman, Jon Kime, and Brandon Kenner as the parade judges, right outside Young’s Western Wear.
In the float division, first place was 4-H who had a white tree behind a pickup and a giant snowman; second place was Music Lights up Christmas Band by Bethany
Springer.
In the individual float division, first place went to the Sexon Buggy with Santa; second place Burdick’s horseback; and in third place, Valentine Livestock Auction’s Christmas tree.
Sponsored by State Farm, the annual Ugly Sweater Contest was also judged by Hartman, Kime, and Kenner.
In the 12 and under division, first place went to Amelia Wonnenberg.
In the 13 and over division, first place went to Shalee Arendt; second place, Rich Frantz; third place, Addie Sexson.
In the Ugly Sweater family division,winning first place was the Rhea family; second place was Alexa and Gibson Dorn.
A tree decorating contest was also held with the 4-H tree earning first place; second place, Presbyterian Church; and in third, was Sadie Bachelor’s tree.
Board members of the event included Eve Millar, Deanne Holmes Monroe, and Shalee Arendt.
She added that Bodell Bachelor brought decorations from her home to decorate the 4-H Building, and that 4-H families brought cookies and refreshments.
If you’re interested in helping, call Eve Millar at
402-389-0119.
