The second annual Bellechester Lion’s Club lighted Christmas parade was bigger, better and warmer than in 2021. Entries ranged from those walking in costume to large flatbed trailers with some promoting businesses or organizations and others just there for the fun. The event was held the evening of December 10th.
Winning first place and 4 Timberwolves game tickets and prize basket was Nick and Kim Keller’s Snoopy’s Doghouse float. Nick and Kim are members of the Bellechester Lion’s Club and were happy to promote and participate in the event. Their ATV pulled Snoopy asleep on top of his house while Charlie Brown looked on. The doghouse was made of pallets covered in a red tablecloth and the characters were created from scrap pieces of sheetrock they had on hand. They said it took three people about four hours to create the float and would likely display it in their yard in Bellechester for the season. Placing second was the Belvidere Happy-Go-Lucky 4-H club who received $120 for their efforts decorating a hay rack. Third place went to Jason Zemke who earned $80 for pushing a snowman with his pickup truck plow and pulling a shivering inflatable inside a skid loader on a flatbed trailer that also carried a large, lighted Christmas tree.
When the parade floats finished cruising the town of Bellechester, the crowd was welcomed to more events inside the FabTech building. Santa was on hand to hear kids’ requests. They could then participate in a number of games and cookie decorating. Free hotdogs and treats were available and food shelf items and toys were collected for area charities. Visit the Bellechester Lions Club Facebook page for more photos, information and to learn of upcoming events.
