LINN — Christmas on Main Street co-chair Kelly Frank said she’s pleased that people came out to celebrate the event despite the cold weather. “I think the cold kept many at home, but those that came out had a great time, and memories were made,” she added. “We had a good turnout for the Friday night activities.”

The World Walk with various Santas placed within nine downtown businesses offered children an opportunity to learn about holiday traditions in those countries.

Travelers started at the Passport Table in Legends Bank Park and had their passports stamped at each “country” along the way.

Legends Bank showcased how Christmas is celebrated in Japan. Christmas on Main Street co-chair Shelley Klebba explained to visitors that in Japan, the custom is to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas. She noted the holiday is more akin to Valentine’s Day instead of a traditional Christmas celebration.

Mike McDaniel Insurance Agency (Ireland) and Muenks Insurance Agency (Italy) provided treats from their respective countries.

Wild Orchid Designs (USA) was hopping as families enjoyed arts and crafts. Santa welcomed visitors outside the business on Main Street.

Osage County Abstract & Title Co. (Spain), the Unterrified Democrat (Switzerland), the Osage County Historical Society (Germany), Mid America Bank (Jamaica), and the Linn City Thrift Store (England) also provided insights into the customs observed abroad.

“The participation of the local businesses on the World Walk was next level,” said Frank. “They really outdid themselves, and their time and efforts were very much appreciated.”

Linn Mayor Dwight Massey, who served as this year’s Grand Marshal in the Linn Lions Christmas Parade, also kicked off the event with the traditional tree-lighting ceremony.

“It seemed extra special this year, it being Dwight’s last year doing it,” said Frank. “He had a heartfelt speech. The children coming around the tree to do the countdown were really touching.”

Massey encouraged everyone to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas and thanked everyone for their continued efforts to maintain the event.

Unterrified Democrat Managing Editor Connie Warden noted that many visitors stopped at the office to see the gingerbread house display, and many had a difficult time determining the houses they liked the best. “Thank you to all the entrants,” she said. “It’s fun to see what they create!”

This year’s Gingerbread House winners are as follows:

Group 1 (children only - 13 and under) — Maggie Reinkemeyer took first place with her creation titled, “Mele Kalikimaka,” which is Merry Christmas in Hawaiian.

Group 2 (teen, adult, family/group) — Melissa Massman won with her “Traveling Christmas” display, which was constructed using baked gingerbread.

Group 3 (constructed from graham crackers) — Harrison Blake won for his creation, “Polar Express.”

Friday’s Osage County Agritourism Council’s Christmas Country Church and Cookie Trail Tour provided a tremendous history of area churches. A separate story in this issue showcases the tour.

Cassie Twehus performed at the Legends Bank Park Gazebo, offering traditional Christmas carols with some crowd participation.

In addition to vendors on the Square, the Piles Ranch Christmas Petting Zoo offered a display, and kids engaged in a “snowball” fight. Down the road a bit, the Healing Horses Therapeutic Riding Program offered rides to children in the lot across from the Cultural Heritage Center.

Linn First Church’s third annual Ladies’ Christmas Tea was well-received. Pastors Matt and Roxie Lee led the evening of faith-filled dinner and music.

Roxie Lee noted that 117 ladies came together to enjoy an evening of wonderful food, fellowship, special music from Pastor Matt Lee and his daughter, Karlie Wagner, a hilarious skit, and a message from Roxie Lee about honoring God with our words. “The tables were all beautifully decorated in different themes and were enjoyed by everyone,” said Roxie Lee.

On Saturday, several families visited the Osage County Library for Breakfast with Santa (John Gulick), Mrs. Claus (Sarah Falter), and elves (Denise Cross and Laura McCoy).

Linn Thriftway provided donut holes and juice.

Nikki from the Thriftway bakery and her son, Wyatt, distributed the breakfast for 117 visitors.

The Christmas on Main Street Committee’s fourth annual “Tis’ the Season” market vendor show at St. George Catholic School went very well. Donations collected during the event were presented to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry for those in need.

Another highlight on Saturday was the parade, which Kelly noted seemed to have really great participation. “The floats were wonderful,” she said. “The attention to detail while upholding the ‘Christmas Around the World’ theme was really cool to see.”

This year’s award winners were Linn Scouts (first), Linn Breaktime (second), and Linn First Church (third).

Nativity sets were on display at St. George Catholic Church on Sunday, and several churches held special services.

“All in all, I’d consider it another successful Christmas on Main Street,” said Frank. “We’ll hope for 60-degree weather next year.”

Klebba added her appreciation to all the local sponsors for helping keep the activities free of charge. “Also, the local public safety entities (sheriff, city police, fire district) were very helpful with lighting up areas downtown for people to cross over Hwy. 50 and blocking off streets to contain the event without through-traffic,” she said. “It takes a village, but the results prove it was worth it.”