Great weather encouraged good crowds and convenient shopping
BY JIM BEERS, Contributing Writer
CHESTER – The 2022 Christmas on the River in Chester event was deemed a huge success by organizers, shoppers and visitors to the three-day event. Shoppers came from around the surrounding area to take advantage of the great weather, excellent shopping opportunities and friendly atmosphere.
Members of the First Baptist Church in Chester hand out FREE hot chocolate, gloves, caps and hand-warmers after the parade at the Cheser Gazebo. Jim Beers Photo
A decorated automobile helps to create Christmas spirit at the 2022 COTR parade Saturday December 3. Jim Beets Photo
The annual event took place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday December 2-4 with venues for shopping, tasty food, entertainment and great times to meet and greet numerous Chesterites who provided a friendly, family-oriented environment in which to celebrate the beginning of the 2022 Christmas
season.
Members of the First Baptist Church in Chester sing Christmas Carols Saturday December 3 after the 2022 Christmas on the River Parade. The Carolers were part of the post-parade activities held at the Chester Gazebo. Jim Beers Photo
Cartoon characters greet the children on one of the key floats at the 2022 Christmas on the River Parade in Chester Jim Beers Photo.
The celebration actually began Wednesday November 30 with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony held at the Gazebo Park in Chester. The event featured not only the lighting of the beautiful Christmas Tree located underneath the newly remodeled gazebo, but Christmas music provided by the Chester High School Band directed by Steve Colonel.
Chester’s newest Alderman, Don Berry helps to spread Christmas cheer at the 2022 Christmas on the River Parade Saturday December 3. Jim Beers Photo
The combined Chester High School and Chester Grade School Marching YellowJackets and Jr. Jackets appear in the 2022 COTR Parade Saturday December 3. The bands are directed by Steve and Sue Colonel. Jim Beers Photo
One of the key highlights of the three-day weekend portion of the event weekend was the Annual Holiday Craft Fair held at several locations in Chester including the Randolph County Courthouse, the American Legion and the VFW. All three locations were busy throughout the weekend and vendors and shoppers enjoyed the opportunity to get a “head start” on Christmas purchases.
This is one of the “live” floats in the 2022 Chester Christmas on the River Parade which took place Saturday December 3. Jim Beers Photo
The American Legion Post 487 was one of the three hosts of the 2022 Christmas on the River Craft Sale December 2-4. Jim Beers Photo
All three days also featured activities sponsored at the Mississippi Valley Art Guild building in downtown Chester. Many shoppers who traveled by the now closed Chester Greenhouse were pleasantly surprised to notice a flurry of activity and life inside the dormant building Friday as owners were holding a “Going Out of Business” sale from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Shoppers were able to score lots of excellent bargains at the sale.
The First United Methodist Church in Chester displayed its traditional “Life-Sized” Nativity Scene for the enjoyment of the guests at the 2022 Christmas on the River December 2-4, 2022. Jim Beers Photo
The entrance to the Randolph Court House as shoppers enter the 2022 Christmas on the River Craft Sale. Jim Beers Photo
A new and very heart-warming activity for 2022 was the “Gingerbread Decorating Party” held at the Manor at Craig Farm. This event was help from 1:00 p.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday December 3 and was a huge hit with everyone involved.
Henry Wolf a popular wood carver from Chester shows customers some of his wares at the Randolph County Courthouse craft fair location during the COTR event. Jim Beers Photo
The ever-popular Chester Knights of Columbus chicken was featured at an event held at the K.C.’s Hall from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday December 3. The delicious meal featured the famous fried chicken dinner complete with all of the usual side dishes. The St. Mary’s PTO (Parent Teachers Organization) sponsored the fundraiser.
The United Methodist Women of Chester FUMC greet customers at the 2022 Craft Sale held at the Randolph County Courthouse. Pictured are Jeanne Kleinschmidt and Donna Clendenin. Jim Beers Photo
Many other businesses and organizations throughout Chester also held activities and special events, not to mention the beautiful decorations that adorned the City of Chester streets and business windows.
Lisa Wittenborn of Chester has fun selling her crafts at the 2022 COTR Craft Sale at the Randolph County Courthouse location Saturday December 3. Jim Beers Photo
The First United Methodist Church in Chester proudly displayed its traditional “life-size” nativity scene on the front lawn of the church. Other churches, including the Presbyterian, Peace Lutheran, Grace Church Ministries, and First Baptist were also beautifully decorated.
Vendors at the COTR Craft Sales offer their goods to holiday shoppers at the Chester VFW location. Jim Beers Photo
Perhaps the highlight of the three-day event, at least for the children of Chester and surrounding communities, was the “Annual Lighted Christmas Parade” which took place Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m.
The Fortman and Labruyer families from Prairie DuRocher and Modoc drove all the way to Chester to enjoy the 2022 Christmas on the River Parade Saturday December 3. Jim Beers Photo
The parade lined up at the Chester High School and proceeded through Chester ending at the Chester Gazebo Park. The lineup of cars, trucks, wagons, floats, and other items winded down Swanwick Street, up to State Street and proceeded to the Gazebo.
Immediately following the COTR Parade Gazebo Park in Chester was the place to go for more fun and activities. Jim Beers Photo
Two especially popular entries in the parade were the combined CHS and CGS Bands and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Mayor Tom Page of Chester welcomes everyone to the 2022 Chester Christmas on the River event grand parade Saturday December 3. Jim Beers Photo