Christmas Vacation celebration fills Monte Vista with cheer

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MONTE VISTA - Christmas lights and Christmas songs filled the town of Monte Vista last weekend. The annual holiday celebration’s theme this year was Christmas Vacation inspired by the classic Christmas comedy film by Nation al Lampoon.
The celebration offered holiday fun for people of all ages. Over the weekend Santa Claus himself came all the way from the North Pole and made several appearances. He had breakfast and dinner at the Stars and Strike bowling alley, and children were able to visit with Santa and tell him all their Christmas wishes. There was also a free movie showing of the How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Vali 3 Theater. Donations were accepted for Monte Vista Kid’s Connection.
At 5 p.m. neighbors and friends gathered in Fullenwider park to sing Christmas carols and to light the City of Monte Vista Holiday Tree. The caroling lasted for about half an hour with all the classic favorites being sung from Frosty the Snowman to Away in a Manger. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was an especially popular song with the younger carolers who asked for an encore.
Mayor Dale Becker came to light the City’s Holiday Tree and said a few words about how wonderful the community’s involvement has been this year. As the tree was being lit the carolers sang Joy to the World to usher in the holiday season.
At 6:30 p.m. the annual light parade was held and a great turn out came to line the streets and observe the holiday spectacle. Beautiful floats all a glow with lights, a band, and even a donkey all came by in Saturday’s parade. The Monte Vista Ambulance showed great adherence to the theme and were led by “Cousin Eddie,” walking down the street in a bathrobe.
The Monte Vista Police Department worked hard making sure everyone stayed safe and that the parade went smoothly. Monte Vista Public Works also had roaring fire pit stations set up on Adams Street that kept everyone warm and added to the cheery atmosphere.
After the parade everyone crowded into Rain Brews Tavern to enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. Santa Claus returned in case anyone had missed him earlier. A long line of eager children got to  meet jolly old Saint Nick  before he left for the North Pole.


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