MONROE — Main Street Monroe announced the return of a holiday staple: Its annual Lighted Christmas Parade. The parade’s route through the historic downtown district, including the downtown square will be open to all individuals, businesses, and organizations. It is free to participate in and to attend. This will be its 20th year.
Because of ongoing Pandemic safety measures, the outer west and east sides of the square will be closed for parking, allowing for greater social distancing. The parade route itself will remain the same. Generators are being made available from Precision Drive Control, Inc. for any entry that needs electricity.
As in previous years, the Monroe Noon Optimists invite everyone to Wisconsin Bank & Trust (1717 10th Street) immediately after the parade. The bank will be transformed into Santa’s headquarters for the evening. All children attending will receive a treat and a craft kit to take home and will have an opportunity to put a letter in Santa’s official mailbox.
Santa’s elves will be busy at work and the jolly old man himself will be making an appearance following his participating in the parade with Mrs. Claus. Masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced. The Middle School Junior Optimists will also be helping with the event with all costs covered by the Monroe Noon Optimists.
New this year, Main Street Monroe will have the inner south side of the square closed during and following the parade for an outdoor winter market area which will include multiple firepits. Outdoor vendors, including those roasting chestnuts, will be set up in the area until 8:30 p.m. along with carolers.
“It’s a wonderful time of year and we’re making up a bit for lost time, but we want to take advantage of being outside, under the decorations, really embracing the season,” said Main Street Monroe’s Executive Director Jordan Nordby.
Carol Stamm, President of the Monroe Noon Optimists, added, “We had to make some changes this year to keep people safe, but we are very excited to once again welcome Santa to Monroe and provide this opportunity for area children.”
More information is available by contacting Miller, Nordby, or Stamm or by visiting mainstreetmonroe.org.
Santa ready for letters
MONROE — Area children who want to make sure their wishes are known to Old St. Nick are invited to submit a letter to Santa Claus for publication in the Monroe Times’ “Letters to Santa” pages.
Letters will be forwarded to Santa and published in the pages of the Times the week before Christmas. All letters also will be entered in a drawing for six randomly-selected $25 Monroe Money gift certificates.
Children through age 12 are eligible to enter. Letters should include the child’s name, age, address and telephone number. Letters must be submitted by noon Monday, Nov. 29. Letters will be printed in a Dec. 15 special section insert as part of the Monroe Times.
Letters can be sent to: Letters to Santa, Monroe Times, 1065 4th Ave. West, Monroe WI 53566; or emailed to classified@themonroetimes.com; or online at https://themonroetimes.com/submit-monroe-times/letters-santa/.
Teachers submitting letters on behalf of their students should include the students’ first and last names, grade level and school.
