Ladd Christmas Walk to feature several holiday activities, lighted parade

Ladd will be Christmas central on Saturday, Dec. 14, with several holiday activities, including a lighted parade.

Activities are planned throughout the community from 2 to 5 p.m., with the exception of the Ladd Grade School’s vendor and craft show, which is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. The show will feature more than 30 vendors, food, a Stanley Tumbler raffle, and a 50/50.

The lighted snowman parade is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. The parade will start on North Main Avenue and end at Ladd Memorial Park. Entries may be floats, vehicles or walkers, but must be lighted. Lineup for the parade is at 4:45 p.m. at Digifarms (just north of the railroad tracks). Call 815-894-2092 or 815-488-8245 for more information.

The Ladd American Legion and Legion Auxiliary will host Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit them from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 111 S. Main Ave. The Ladd Public Library will host the Grinch for photo opportunities, as well as have a children’s make-and-take craft and cookies. A petting zoo will be in the shelter at War Memorial Park. Train ride boarding will be on North Main Avenue at War Memorial Park and there will be trolley rides throughout the Christmas Walk.

Buddy the Elf will be making an appearance at the event and Misfit Elves will perform at 4 p.m. on Main Avenue.

A number of businesses will be participating in the Christmas Walk, including Casey’s General Store with treats, Charro Taco with treats, Dr. Phil’s Shop with popcorn, hot cocoa and a children’s make and take craft, the Hermosillo building at 202 N. Main Ave. will host a food drive for Hall Township Food Pantry with a chance to win a $50 gift card to a Ladd business, horse and wagon rides will board at North Central Bank, the bank also will offer popcorn and giveaways, Ladd Convenience will host Crazy Cat Lady face painting, Ladd Farm Mart will have a children’s make-and-take craft, Ladd Lanes will offer a free bowling coupon, Players Club will have s’mores, Rip’s photo opportunity, holiday music, drinks for children and adults, cookies and crafts and Magical Moments Face Painting, the Rocker Bye Boutique will have snowman soup, the Schmollinger Building at 220 N. Main Ave. will have three balloon twisters, Special Effects will have cookies and tinsel hair, and Village Hall will have a take and make cookie frost, Echo Bluff craft, Jan Martin cookie raffle, the hat and mittens tree for Project Success and 50/50 raffle tickets.

The Ladd Moose Lodge, 301 S. Eastern Ave., will serve soup and sandwiches at 6 p.m., after the parade.

Free Range Chickens will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dick’s Tap.

Go to the village of Ladd’s Facebook page to see a listing of participating businesses for gift stamp prizes. Those drawings, along with the 50/50 and lighting of the tree will be at 5:45 p.m. at War Memorial Park.