Drexel rings in the holiday season

Chloe AnnMarie Wright, the three-year-old daughter of Jennifer and Michael Wright of Drexel, had been waiting all year to sit on Santa’s lap and Saturday her wait came to a happy end. Chloe, as well as other little ones, told the jolly elf just what they expected to see under their Christmas trees this year at the Drexel Holiday Celebration Saturday.
Drexel residents and visitors braved Old Man Winter’s blustery blows Saturday morning for their chance to win one of twenty-five turkey’s at the Drexel Lions Club giveaway. The annual event of giving back to the community began at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Street Park on Main Street. Winners like Don Gillogly of Drexel, below, also won gift certificates from area businesses. Shortly after the giveaways, the City of Drexel’s Holiday Celebration began. Santa Claus appeared for all the little boys and girls, carolers sang hymns of the season and patrons took to the sidewalks to enjoy home baked goodies and a tasty bowl of chili. In an effort to replenish funds for R.I.O, Welborn’s Thriftway sold hamburgers and hotdogs with nearly $500 in proceeds benefitting the organization, and Berries and Blossoms held a bake sale to benefit R.I.O. Drexel Bar and Grill offered free hayrides around town for whomever wished.
Photos by Stacy Rice