Hallmark comes to life in Aurora

Downtown Aurora reflected the look, feel and sound of the holidays with the fifth annual Come Home to Christmas celebration Saturday, prompting many to proclaim Aurora as an unofficial “Hallmark City.”
Julie Wasem, a member of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce board who helped launch and coordinate the event, said she had that feeling all day long, as did others who shared her sentiments.
“I could not believe all the families that came out in the morning when the snow was so beautiful,” she said. “People were smiling and laughing and I don’t know how many people said Hallmark should be here filming our whole event because this is what Hallmark shows are like, so that was really exciting. People just loved it, except if you were out in it a long time you did freeze.”
Temperatures were forecast in the mid-20s for the day, prompting some late planning adjustments on Friday afternoon which Wasem said worked out well.
“The biggest concern Friday was about the cold weather, so we made a last-minute decision to switch up Santa Claus and the (Tempo) dancers and it turned out to be just fabulous,” Wasem reported.
Santa arrived on schedule Saturday morning, setting up shop in the warmth of the Svoboda Benefit Solutions building on the south side of the square, instead of outdoors in the bandstand as planned. The Tempo dancers moved their performance indoors as well to the Plainsman Museum, which was also hosting the day’s Wonderland of Trees exhibit. As it turned out, that was a wise move, as the courthouse parking lot was covered with snow.
“The beautiful snow falling throughout the morning didn’t deter families from enjoying the real feeling of Christmas,” Wasem said. “The smiles and happiness seen were enough to tell the event was a success and the people were appreciative. In the end, we are grateful for the amazing amount of people who came to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season.”
Guests in town for the Thanksgiving holiday brought people from Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia and possibly more, Wasem noted. 
“There were several of out-of-county license plates so we are thankful for bringing so many to our fine town of Aurora and hope we exceeded their expectations of what we have to offer,” she said.
Large groups of friends and family were huddled together all around the square as the lighted tractor parade began. Craig Shaffer of Aurora offered a two thumbs up review as he stood in the cold evening air waiting for the start of the parade.
“It’s a good kickoff to the holidays,” Shaffer said. “You know, it’s a great holiday spirit thing with a lot of friendship and fellowship. The grandkids are loving it.”
Carrie Siebke helped organize the live nativity scene on the northeast corner of the square, offering a feeling of gratitude, despite the cold.
“It’s just great that we can share the message of the birth of Jesus,” she said. “The kids love participating and it’s really interactive for the kids to visit as well. We’re glad to be part of it.”
As darkness fell, all the street lights and decorations around the square were shut off with Mayor Marlin Seeman then leading a countdown to turn the lights back on, including the debut of the bandstand display. 
That set the stage for the annual lighted tractor parade, which this year also included four-wheelers. Sixteen entries participated, which Wasem reported was about the same number as last year.
“We were down one from last year and we had one late cancellation, a gentleman from Bruning who decided it was too far to come in the cold weather,” she said. “There were quite a few newcomers, and there were others who were maybe taking every other year off. I can’t say enough thanks to the participants in the lighted tractor parade. From the extravagant to the cherished family tractor all lit up, they all delight the audience.”
Judges picked Rod Perry’s entry as the winner, which featured a detailed outline of a street front, including “Santa’s workshop,” led by a lighted tractor with Santa’s reindeer flying out front. Paul Badgett, who has participated all five years, was second with an entry featuring numerous animated Christmas characters, as well as a ferris wheel. Jay and Christie Schulze came in third with their decorated antique wagon.
“The volunteers that have been dedicated to organizing the parade for the last five years need a big thanks,” Wasem added. “Alan Anderson, Dana Anderson and Keith Wasem have done a great job, along with a new assistant, Jackie Johnson.”
Also featured throughout the day were Christmas character pop-ups, which shared their history and stories all around the square, as well as Shortstack, a miniature horse owned by Vicki Flasterer of Grand Island. The free movie “Polar Express” was shown to a sell-out crowd at the 12th Street Cinema as well.
One local retailer said “Come home to Christmas” brought an extra spark to the Thanksgiving weekend.
“The fun going on all around the square brings a pride to those I see coming into our store,” said Susan Williams, owner of Susan’s Books. “A comment I heard through the entire day was, ‘I love how Aurora is so beautiful and fun.’ We were able to give away over 200 books to those who came into our store and were able to pick out books. I believe the most important part of this day is knowing that children are making memories, hearing the sounds of bells, the music, shopping in small stores where they are smiled at and noticed.
“I love having our store,” she concluded, “seeing the pride in those who shop here and I’m thankful for the business and encouragement and pride from those  shopping in our store.”

See more photos of all the festivities throughout this week's print and e-editions of ANR.