Story and photos by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer.
The Forest City Chamber of Commerce organized the fourth annual 2011 Forest City Christmas, held Saturday on Clark Street.
It started at 11:00 am with the Public Library Open House, with storytime at 1:30 pm. Most of the other activities started at 2:00 pm. These activities included Santa and Mrs. Claus strolling Clark Street (pictured, right), Christmas Music, Free Horse-drawn Wagon Rides, making s’mores and chestnut roasting, Turkey Bowling, Waldorf Bread Line, Bingo, and a Duck Hunt. The winners of the 2nd Forest City Bucks Drawing were posted. There was chili, hot cocoa, cider and goodies at Scoopy Doo’s.
The American Legion had bingo, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. They were also selling Iowa Gold Kettle Corn. There were free samples of Melby lefse’s from 2:00-4:30. They were being sold 3 for $3. Dan Melby was making the lefse for a fundraiser. He and his brother Mark were picked for the Iowa Ambassador of Music 2012 European Tour. Their mother even made a sign for them, which included the statement, “Melby Lefse Sale is ‘Lutefisk-free Zone'”.
The Thompson family had a lot of Christmas spirit, all wearing Santa hats, even the littlest one had on red. They were just getting off the horse-drawn wagon ride when they were asked to get their picture taken. “Why, yes we will,” they said. (See photo, right.)
Sam Klaassen and his dad Jonathan were helping with making of roasted marshmallows and s’mores. Sam had already eaten his s’more, indicating this by licking his lips and putting on a smile. The roasting of marshmallows and making of s’mores was sponsored by Bakke Law Office.
There were 35 little ducks hidden on Clark Street, the Court House lawn, and participating businesses on Clark Street. The Duck Hunt started at 2:00 pm and would run until all ducks were found. At 3:30, there were still 6 ducks to be found. If not found, the hunt would end at 4:30.
There was a snowman building contest, which was cancelled, for obvious reasons. (No snow!)
To end the Christmas festivities, there were fireworks at 4:45 at the city lot on S. Clark St.
Video: Dan Hovinga, of Forest City, steps up, aims his turkey at the bowling pins and throws. He gets a strike and a special prize.
Too bad I missed this! My kids would have enjoyed.