This Sunday is packed with festive activities for yourself or you and your family. Luminaries will light up the night on Edgewood Drive and South Chestnut from Central Boulevard to Division Street, and at the same time, the parks, including Windmont and Northeast, will light up on December 8th at dusk. Attendees can enjoy the display by either driving or walking through the areas. Over 1,000 luminaries will light up historic South Chestnut Street, bringing back a tradition that was once part of the community. The luminaries will light up Chestnut Street for one night only, so don’t miss South Chestnut Street on your way to Northeast Park from Windmont Park. Angie Cernovich said, “This endeavor could not have happened without the generous donations from the South Chestnut Street residents and the volunteers that will be placing and picking all luminaries.”
After Church, head to Wethersfield School for a holiday community meal at 11 AM, head to Abilities Plus for the open house at 1 PM, catch a holiday movie at Wanee Theater at 2 PM, get your spot on the parade patch for the lighted parade at 5 PM, watch a fireworks show, walk around festive Windmont park and see the light displays, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the shelter house, don’t forget to purchase some baked goods for a snack, drive to South Chestnut Street and walk or drive the luminary trail from Division Street to Central Blvd., take a drive through Northeast Park and admire the light and panel displays, jump over to Edgewood Drive for a luminary show, and end in the 900 block of E. Prospect Street with a huge light display at a private residence.
The family-friendly activities begin at Wethersfield School with a free community dinner from 11 AM to 2 PM. Wethersfield Student Council and FFA are hosting a holiday community meal. There is no cost to enjoy a delicious holiday meal, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
From 1 to 3 PM is the annual Abilities Plus Open House. The hand-decorated wreaths will be for sale for $15. There will be raffle items and baskets. Purchase delicious hand-made baked goods. Get a picture with a Christmas character for a suggested donation of $3 and get a digital copy of the picture and a gift bag. There will be various collectibles and holiday decor for sale as well.
At 2 PM, the Wanee Theatre, Golnick-Schuemenan Funeral Home, and The Curl Studio are hosting a free movie at Wanee Theater. You can watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The concession stand will be open to purchase food and drinks.
Starting at 5:00 PM, the 18th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will begin at the former Tenney Bowl parking lot. The parade, featuring Santa Claus, will proceed along McClure Street and conclude at Windmont Park with a lighting ceremony. Participants are encouraged to create festive floats. The Kewanee Chamber of Commerce is accepting parade entries until December 6th. Email the form to [email protected] or drop the form off at the office at 113 E. 2nd Street. Contact the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce office at 309-852-2175 for questions or information. Details and entry forms are available on the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce website.
Edgewood Drive and historic South Chestnut Street will glow with luminaries beginning at dusk. Following the Lighted Parade, after Santa and Mrs. Claus are nestled in the Windmont Shelter, a fireworks show will light up the sky in celebration of the annual lighting of Kewanee Parks. Windont Park and Northeast Park will light after dusk, following the lighted parade and fireworks show.
