Kewanee was aglow Sunday night with the annual lighting of two parks, Windmont and Northeast, and the return of the drive of lights, complete with sidewalk luminaries that spanned several city blocks including Edgewood Drive.
But before Windmont Park could be officially illuminated, a lighted parade down West Mclure Street brought Santa and Mrs. Claus to the park shelter house, where they greeted children and families and cookies were consumed.
The lighted parade featured floats and entries decked out in color:
Following the parade, the assembled crowd was treated to a splash of Christmas color as fireworks illuminated the night sky before the official lighting of Windmont.
On the north side of town, the park lights came on at dusk and hundreds of cars caravaned through the drive, delighting at the handcrafted displays, including a special display at the front of the park honoring the late Brock Tumbleson, who started the Northeast Park lighting.
Traffic was bustling Sunday night as hundreds of cars drove around the town to view the lights.
On the east end of Prospect Street, the Ornelas family passed out over 300 home-baked chocolate chip cookies to passerbys. The tradition of decorating their home in the 900 block of East Prospect Street started several years ago and William and Lacey Ornelas have added to their display every year.
