LENA — The Lena Business Professionals Association (LBPA) announces details of activities to celebrate the Hometown Christmas Event on Saturday, Dec. 2. 

Hometown Christmas is a Lena community tradition offering opportunities to shop, eat enjoy games and, of course, see Santa Claus to ring in the holiday season. Stores downtown will be open for your holiday shopping pleasure throughout the day with FREE family activities beginning at 4 pm. Several inflatables for the kids, and a picture booth will be available along Main Street and Santa & Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures in the pavilion.  

The evening’s events culminated in the lighted parade at 6 pm. The parade, themed Candy Cane Christmas, features dozens of floats adorned in lights from local businesses and organizations. As the parade rolls down Main Street, Santa will descend from his sleigh to light the tree at the new pavilion. 

“Our annual holiday events are a highlight for many as they shop and plan for a day of fun with family. We are excited to have a number of great activities for kids, and the support we receive to help create an outstanding parade is truly remarkable,” said LBPA member Ryan Buss. 

If you would like to participate in the Candy Cane Christmas parade with a float entry, please contact LBPA at 815-246-2560 or lenabpa.org@gmail.com. 

For those who can’t attend in person, the parade and lighting of the Community Tree will be broadcast live on the Lena Business Professional Association Facebook page.