BOONE, Iowa—Boone’s Community Christmas Celebration will be held Thursday afternoon and evening. Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Kris
Blocker said this year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” an extension of this year’s Pufferbilly Days’ theme, “Rock the Rails.”

The Holiday Lighted Parade will be Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Story Street, beginning at 6th Street and will go to 9th Street. The tree lighting in the Community Green
Space at Eighth and Story streets will follow the parade.

Blocker said “We’ll have a group singing Christmas carols at the green space for the tree lighting. Then we’ll do a countdown and Mayor Stines and Santa Claus will flip the switch and turn on the Christmas Tree lights,” she said. “After the tree is lighted, Santa will move on stage to welcome kids.”

Blocker also encouraged the public to turn out for the Boone County Historical Society’s soup supper at the Boone County History Center, 602 Story St., between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Historical Society members will be serving soup, muffin or roll, veggies and dip, a dessert bar or cookie and a drink for $8. Guests can dine in or carry out their meals and can pay with cash or a debit or credit card.

Some businesses will be open on that evening, and the Shops on Story collaboration of downtown businesses will have its big holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The VFW will be serving free hot cocoa and coffee and cookies provided from Hy-Vee. This year’s presenting sponsor is Landus. The parade winners are sponsored by Midland Power Cooperative.