Holiday cheer lights up Hancock County with parades and Christmas in the Park
By Jennifer Wimmer
Hancock County will kick off the holiday season with a joyful weekend of community celebrations, starting with Lewisport’s Christmas in the Park on Friday, Dec. 5, followed by the county’s annual Christmas parades in Hawesville and Lewisport on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Christmas in the Park will transform Chapman Park in downtown Lewisport into a winter wonderland from 6 to 8 p.m. The tree-lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m., officially opening the evening’s festivities. Families can enjoy inflatables, train rides and visits with Santa Claus and other favorite characters.
The event will feature a craft market, local food vendors including Kluckies, Los Amigos and the Hancock County High School Future Farmers of America, which will serve chili.
There will be a scavenger hunt for all ages this year. Free snack cakes, hot chocolate and hot apple cider will be available. Children will also have the opportunity to send their letters straight to the North Pole.
Hancock County Christmas parades
The celebration continues Saturday with the county’s cherished parade tradition. The Hawesville Christmas Parade rolls out at 1 p.m., with lineup at noon. The Lewisport Christmas Parade follows at 4:30 p.m., with lineup beginning at 3 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “A Christmas Story,” inviting participants to bring the classic holiday tale to life.
Hawesville has named Bruce L. Pryor Jr. as grand marshal of its parade, while Lewisport has chosen Tina Snyder to lead its procession.
Following the Lewisport parade, families are invited to stay downtown for a special Toy Giveaway, a tradition that spreads holiday joy to children throughout the community.
Preparations for the parades have been underway for weeks, with local businesses, organizations, volunteer fire departments, and school sports teams designing and building creative floats. Spectators can look forward to imaginative displays competing for awards, adding extra excitement to this favorite community tradition.
From twinkling lights to exciting parades, these holiday events promise to bring friends and neighbors together in the spirit of the season, uniting Hancock County in celebration and community pride.