BREAKING - Decorah Community Schools & Nordic Chiropractic Win Lighted Parade Awards

DECORAH, Iowa—The Decorah Area Chamber hosted the 34th annual Water Street Lighted Parade on December 12th, drawing hundreds of spectators downtown despite the cold conditions. This year's theme, "O Christmas Tree", inspired more than 35 entries featuring illuminated vehicles, trailers, and festive displays. The Best Small Float Award was presented to Decorah's Nordic Chiropractic for its creative forest of "crooked trees" in need of alignment display. The float expertly combined parade theme, local business service, and humor. The Best Large Float Award went to the Decorah Community School District for its large, lighted Christmas tree float which included 150 pieces of Christmas artwork made in John Cline classrooms and a lighted school bus. Upon hearing news of the award, the staff extended a special note of appreciation for their Transportation Director and in-house "Cheermeister" Chris Pronchinske, dedicated bus drivers (including Dean Barth, Kevin Barth, Tim Mueller), and John Cline Principal Tori Watson, teachers, and students. The $50 Chamber Dollar award will be directed towards the Family, Educator, and Community Organization (FEC). Honorable mentions for community spirit and creativity to community member Luigi Rausch for his decorated 2003 red Subaru Outback featuring a rooftop Christmas tree and continuous music of Wham!'s "Last Christmas," Harman Realty for their lifesize Little Debbie Christmas Tree outfits worn by Mike and Ben Harman, and MLB Tax & Accounting for their inflatable Christmas tree characters who slow shuffled with determination and cheer all the way down Water Street. The Chamber extends appreciation to 2025 Parade Sponsor Harman Realty, all the parade entries, the City of Decorah, Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, Winneshiek County Emergency Management, and Decorah Volunteer Fire Department for ensuring a safe and enjoyable event. A special thank you is being mailed to Santa at the North Pole.