Wonderful World of Christmas in Cherokee

By Mike Leckband

Staff writer

This year's "Wonderful World of Christmas Parade" was held on Thursday night, Dec. 4th, in beautiful Downtown Cherokee.

First place for this year's "Wonderful World of Christmas Parade" (profit category) went to Northwest Realty's float of "Snowmen at Play" (pictured above). This year marked the 10th year that the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce's Promotions Team has sponsored this event. Photo by Mike Leckband

With 38 entries and hundreds of spectators, the ninth annual parade was a big success, despite frigid temperatures in the low teens.

Sponsored by the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Promotions Team, the parade got under way at 6 p.m., starting down West Main Street from the County Courthouse on top of the west hill. Slowly, the colorful, lighted caravan of floats and merry minstrels proceeded along the parade route.

There were two categories for this year's parade - Business and Non-profit. The winning entry for the Business Category was Northwest Realty with their float "Snowmen at Play." Second place went to Valley Bank and Trust's "Mele Kalikimaka." Third place went to Northstar Community Credit Union's "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree."

First place in the Non-profit Category was Cherokee Mental Health Institute's fabulous float "Christmas in Toyland." Second place went to Cherokee Regional Medical Center's impressive "The Grinch." Third place went to Washington High School clever entry of "Twas the Night Before Exams."

The winning float from the MHI was the result of several months' of work. Photo by Mike Leckband

Besides the wonderful floats, the highlight of the parade was Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus being driving down the parade route by the Cherokee Fire and Rescue.

The parade brought out many Cherokee residents who lined up on both sides of historical downtown Main Street in the heart of the city's Entertainment and Cultural District.