The Kalona Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors this week issued a special “Thank You” to the Kalona Old Fashion Christmas promotion committee for organizing and staging the events.

“We want to thank all those responsible for the planning and organizing of the Old Fashioned Christmas in Kalona,” commented chamber president Dave Hochstetler.

“The attendance far exceeded our expectations,” Hochstetler commented after the December 8 board meeting.

“We also want to thank all those who participated in the parade and the lighting ceremonies at the Kalona Historical Village Thursday evening,” he added.

He also noted a number of people are already making plans on how they can improve their floats or have a new entry in the Christmas parade next year.

“We graciously accept the special thanks from the Chamber board,” commented chairman Ron Slechta. Other members of the committee were Gaye Van Winkle and Beryl Marner of the Kalona News, Fern Bontrager of Kalona Historical Village, John Wallerich of JW’s Food, Dave Clearman of Bird’s Nest and Judy Grout Thompson of Kalona Locker.

“We are appreciative of the new ideas that Gaye Van Winkle has brought to the committee and thank her for her leadership in helping to organize the parade and other activities,” Slechta commented.

He also noted it takes the efforts of a lot of people from a number of businesses to make this and any good community project possible. “for fear of leaving someone out, we won’t list all involved, but want to thank everyone who contributed,” Slechta stated.

The Christmas committee will meet again at noon Thursday, January 20, at JW’s Deli to review this year’s activities and make plans for Christmas 2000. Anyone with any ideas or suggestions should send those comments to any member of the committee or send them to Christmas Committee, Kalona News, PO Box 430, Kalona, Iowa 52247-0430.