By Gari Voss
Allegan’s first Festive Friday of the year found the streets lined with a crowd representing all ages waiting for the Holiday Parade and the arrival of Santa Claus. With 30 parade entries, hundreds of watchers were delighted by the lights, blow ups, notable characters like Mario and the Ghost Busters, in addition to family members and friends. The mist hanging in the air and the wet, shiny roads did not dampen the festive spirit.
The City of Allegan went all out with rescue and fire vehicles decorated with lights and even a mural of Charlie Brown and friends on a snowplow blade that was created by Wally Pabis, a long-time city employee with artistic talents and his colleagues. Other businesses, non-profits, and individuals added pizzazz to the offerings that delighted the eyes of onlookers.
Children scurried to collect their stash of candy that flew to the sides of the streets. The highlight was the arrival of Santa who was on his way to Mahan Park to listen to Christmas wishes.