AWE Auto Service’s float shimmers as it makes its way through downtown Traer during last Friday’s Holiday Happenings lighted parade. The event was well-attended this year thanks to seasonably cold but calm winter weather and a great line-up of family-friendly activities. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – The 2024 Holiday Happenings parade lit up downtown Traer last Friday evening as part of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual two-day holiday extravaganza.

Ahead of the parade — which ventured down Second Street amid seasonably cold but perfectly calm weather just after 6:30 p.m. — the Traer Public Library’s Kupka Cultural Center was filled with holiday cheer as the Union Carolers brilliantly performed for the public nearly a dozen Christmas songs while dressed in mid-19th century, ‘Dickensian’ costumes. This is the 22nd season for the high school a cappella ensemble which has over 40 performances scheduled in 2024.

Following the carolers, Denny Berger – with a ‘lift’ from Santa Claus – led the audience in a well-received, interactive rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Even those in attendance who might usually balk at singing in public (or otherwise), seemed to leave their inner-Scrooge at the door and joined in on all 12 verses.

Meanwhile across the street at the Traer Historical Museum, over 100 decorated Christmas stockings made by members of the community were hung with care around the museum’s main room which was packed with folks enjoying various holiday activities and the North Tama After Prom Committee’s walking tacos (which sold out swiftly).

Next door, the Traer Theatre readied for its free showing of “Elf” by selling popcorn and treats to queuing parade attendees, while a few buildings east, The Junkyard Bar served up more delicious street food.

Members of the Union Carolers – Union High School’s a cappella, community outreach ensemble under the direction of vocal music teacher Jarrett West – perform in the Traer Public Library’s Kupka Cultural Center on Friday, Dec. 6, as part of the community’s annual Holiday Happenings festivities. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Despite parade entrants being relatively few in number this year, those who participated dialed the light show to 11 including the overall winner Champion Enterprises LLC which featured a lighted work truck sporting the phrase ‘GET PUMPED FOR SANTA.’

Additional awards went to Liquidgrow for Best Vehicle and to Sandy Ingle and friends for Best ATV/Golf Cart/Animal for their jolly, glowing horseback riders.

After the parade, the festivities continued with a live carving of a holiday-themed North Tama Redhawks ice sculpture near the famed Winding Stairs, Traer Trolley rides through Taylor Park’s holiday lights display, and Santa Claus and the Mrs. greeting visitors in the workshop until 9:30 p.m.

Overall, Holiday Happenings 2024 was another well-attended, skillfully organized community event by the Traer Chamber of Commerce.

Barb Hanus, left, holds up a decorative poster illustrating the second verse of the holiday classic “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in the Traer Public Library’s Kupka Cultural Center on Friday, Dec. 6. Denny Berger – who organized the interactive activity – is pictured singing on stage in the background. A dozen volunteers from the audience, including many children, helped Berger by holding up posters during the heartwarming sing-along. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

This year's overall Holiday Happenings parade winner, Champion Enterprises LLC which featured a lighted work truck sporting the phrase ‘GET PUMPED FOR SANTA.’ PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Clutier's ZCBJ Hall parade entry. PHOTO BY MICHELLE BRUNDAGE

Liquidgrow's Holiday Happenings parade entry which won Best Vehicle this year. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

The Traer Trolley trundles down Second Street during the Holiday Happenings parade. The Trolley featured members of the North Tama Redhawks volleyball team. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER