Christmas kickoff events labeled a success

The activities held throughout Iowa Park Saturday have been called a success by many.

The day started with dessert and coffee and craft vendors offering everything from jewelry to handmade quilts at Friendly Door Senior Citizens Center, sponsored by Friends of Friendly Door.

The Friends of Friendly Door Christmas Tour of Homes kicked off at 11 a.m.
The day’s events raised $1,000 for the center according to Karla Neal, chair of the events.

That evening the 6th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade started at 6:30 p.m. with over 30 entries and crowds of spectators lining the streets.

Parade entries included horse back riders, horse drawn buggies, classic cars, the W.F. George Middle School band students, floats from various churches, non-profit groups, students and others as well as fire trucks from five surrounding fire departments, Wichita West, Cameron Garden, Electra, Burkburnett, Kamay, and a truck from the Wichita Falls Fire and Police Museum.

The top three floats named were: first place - Faith Baptist Church Adult Sixth Sunday School class, second - First Baptist Church Children’s Ministries, and third - Mrs. Jordan’s pre-kindergarten class.

“We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone supporting this event,” organizer Lewis Skinner said.

The parade is a fundraiser for the Kidz Christmas program.

The Evening Lions Club reported having served well over 125 people during their reception while Santa visited with children following the parade.

The reception is one of the community projects for the club.

According to organizers of the events, plans are already underway for next year.