Christmas celebration on the square

Tis the season for Christmas festivities! And Linden certainly knows how to light it up for the holidays. Celebrations kicked off with chicken pot stew thanks to Linden Lions Club. All of downtown was awash with the smell of the delicious stew which sold out shortly after lunch.

But it was the night that really brought the Christmas spirit to life in the downtown area. Shops were ablaze with decorations and lights in celebration of the lighting of the historic Court House and Christmas tree that adorns its lawn and the annual Christmas parade.

The parade featured fire trucks from Center Hill and Linden, Linden police and Cass County sheriffs, a group on horseback, Linden-Kildare High School marching band, Linden Garden Club, MLK Club, New Colony Baptist Church, and many others. Those in the parade also tossed candy to the waiting kids.

Once the parade was finished, crowds flocked to the steps of the Court House in anticipation of the lighting. Children from Linden-Kildare Elementary gave a count down and when they reached one, a Merry Christmas was hailed and the square was lit up by the beautiful lights adorning the Court House and tree. The awe in the crowd could be heard all around the square as the lights glowed in the night.

The celebrations was wrapped up with wonderful Christmas music courtesy of Linden-Kildare Elementary. Children of all ages were then invited to City Hall to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Clause who came down especially for the celebrations.