For The Republic-Monitor
Christmas on the River in Chester is fast approaching. The community is invited to get into the spirit by decorating the outside of their houses and yards in the most festive and creative manner, and to compete in the holiday home lighting contest. Nominate your own home, your neighbors, family or your friends by submitting an address to the parks and recreation office at city hall, 618-826-1430.
Get in the holiday spirit and dazzle everyone with your decorations. Deck the halls, the rooftops, the porch and the yards! Hang up the brightest of lights and show your holiday spirit. The addresses of all nominations will be posted on our social media for anyone wanting to drive and look at the holiday homes.
Eligibility Guidelines
– Must live in the city limits of Chester.
– Decorations must be visible from the roadway.
– Registrations must be received by 9 a.m. Dec. 2.
– Decorations must be available and lit up on Dec. 3, between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m.
– For judging, contest winners will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Categories
– The Minimalist: simple and clean display.
– The White Lights: all white lights display.
– The Reason for The Season: best nativity display.
– The Traditional: captures the classic Christmas motif.
– The Whimsical: it’s humorous, unexpected and fun.
Christmas Tree Illumination
The annual Grand Illumination of the Community Christmas Tree will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Chester Square Gazebo Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their first visit of the season and kick off the holiday celebration. Join the crowd for visits with the Clauses, the Community Blessing of the Season, And Mayor Tom Page’s annual holiday tidings for the city.
Reindeer Games
Grab your friends and family and join in the reindeer games set for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Teams must consist of no less than three and no more than six members. Each member must be at least 16 years old. A cell phone camera and vehicle are required. Register by Nov. 29 and the fee is $20. Register after that date and it is $30. Register early and earn advantages. Bonus points and prizes for the best transportation decoration and best entire team attire.
Christmas Bazaar
St. John’s 52nd Annual Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, Dec. 7. There will be local vendors, free kid crafts, a hot cocoa and cookie stand, St. Nick's attic, and their ever-popular coffee cakes and soup. Stop by and browse, enjoy lunch, and be sure to get your picture with Santa taken for free.
Church Open Houses
St. John Lutheran Church will host an open house from 10 am-4 pm.
St. Mary Christian Church invites everyone to an open house from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. It is the Season of Advent for the church, and they will be showcasing the beautiful symbols of the Catholic faith.
Christmas parade
The City of Chester presents its Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade will form in front of the Chester High School. Participants should turn onto Hoppe Drive from state street to line-up and may begin doing so at 4:30 pm. All entries must be in place by 5:15 pm. The parade will begin at 5:30 pm, move southwest on Swanwick Street, turn left on West Stacey Street and make an immediate right onto State Street. It will continue on State Street, ending on church street at the Chester Car Wash.
Arts and Craft Sales
A Christmas on the River favorite is the Holiday Craft Sale and Christmas Market. Applications are currently taking vendor applications for the VFW. Spaces are $25 each. Contact city hall at 618-826-1430 for registration information.
Vendors wishing to be at the courthouse may contact Donna Ritter at 618-826-3706 for information. Stop by the VFW, 939 State St., and the courthouse, 1 Taylor St., for all your gift needs. Sale hours will be Friday, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Mississippi Valley Art Guild will be open during the above hours with their Annual Art and Craft Sale. Stop by 611 State St. and have a look.
Once again, the community will honor the memory of loved ones at the Evergreen Cemetery
Signs of Remembrance. Contact Teri at 618-826-5114 for information. If you would like to purchase a new sign the fee is $20 and renewals are $10.
All events and times are subject to change.
For more information call 618-826-1430, go to Chester, Ill. Community Information on Facebook, or visit www.chesterill.com.
