The Village of Ladd invites residents and visitors to their “There’s Snow Place Like Ladd” 2023 Christmas Walk on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 2-5 PM. Businesses and Organizations will offer numerous family-oriented activities intended to spread holiday cheer and enjoy the small-town atmosphere of Ladd.
Artisan and Vendor Wares
Ladd Grade School will host various local Ladd artisans from 12 – 5 p.m., selling among other things, jewelry, food, flowers and greenery, pet collars & leashes, vintage flip and holiday décor, and more. Over 30 other vendors will offer their wares at various storefronts along Main Street Don’t forget your holiday shopping lists!
Horse and Wagon Rides
Take a horse and wagon ride along the main street to see some of the holiday lights of Ladd.
Season of Giving
A Mitten Tree is waiting to be decorated at the Ladd Village Hall. Donations of new mittens or gloves, hats, and socks for all ages will be accepted through December 10. All donations will be given to the Project Success of Eastern Bureau County to benefit area families.
The Ladd American Legion is collecting donations of toiletries such as lotions, body wash, shampoo, etc. for the Illinois Veteran’s Home. Bring items and to the Legion and members will drop them off at the Veteran’s Home!
The Hurst Funeral Home will host a food drive for the Hall Township Food Pantry from 2-5:00 during the walk. They will be set up on Main Street next to North Central Bank. Stop by anytime to donate non-perishable items. Everyone who donates gets to put their name into a raffle for a chance to win one of three $50 gift certificates to a Ladd
restaurant!
Snowman Parade
A highlight of the festivities is the lighted Snowman Parade, starting at 5 p.m. on North Main Street. All snowmen are welcome to participate. The parade is open to all kinds of entries; walkers, vehicles, floats, or individuals. The only requirement is that the entry be lighted and include a snowman as part of the entry. Participants should line up
at the Digifarms parking lot on North Main Street at 4:45 p
Tree Lighting
The official lighting of the Christmas tree takes place this year at Ladd’s War Memorial Park right after the parade concludes.
Golf Cart Decorating Contest
The Golf Cart Decorating Contest is back again so, bring your decked-out and dressed-up golf cart to War Memorial Park where votes will be cast by the admiring public between 2 and 4 p.m. Then see the holiday carts in the big parade at 5 pm.
A variety of activities are scheduled during the afternoon, including a 50/50 raffle, a Christmas Tree business stamp raffle to win prizes, trolley rides up and down Main Street, a petting zoo, kids’ crafts, games, and cookie decorating plus pictures with Santa. Enjoy The Elm City Bell Ringers and holiday music, too. The Ladd Fire Station will host a bake sale. The walk also includes food and refreshments at Ladd businesses ending with a soup, sandwich, and dessert supper at Ladd Moose from 6-8 p.m. For more information call 894-2092, 894-2440, or [email protected].
