A brilliant sunset marked the end of a memorable Christmas in Kalona.
Ron Slechta/THE NEWS
The lighted nativity glowed at the Historical Village as the sky darkened.
Ron Slechta/THE NEWS
Four kids took home slick new sled rides thanks to the Kalona Optimists.
Ron Slechta/THE NEWS
Dash, mascot of Coralville’s Heartlanders hockey team, was a fun celebrity sighting at the YMCA.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
This young lady created a sparkly masterpiece to eat.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
Kids enjoyed cookie decorating inside the YMCA.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
Santa (Vaughn Gingerich) rode in on the fire truck, then sat for photos, which are a Christmas in Kalona must.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
Alana and Rochelle Mullet staffed the welcome table at the YMCA, where kids could collect their walking stockings and coloring books before heading into the Christmas market.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
When the live nativity fell through, alpacas from West Branch took its place in front of the library. Kids couldn’t wait to fluff that soft fur.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
Live music kept spirits bright while shoppers made purchases in downtown shops like Kalona Chocolates.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
Filling in as a last-minute pinch-hitter, Mayor Mark Robe played the role of Grinch. Sitting outside The News office on B Avenue, he estimates about 100 people an hour joined him for morning photos.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
The sun rose on a beautiful clear morning; food trucks set up to satisfy appetites along C Avenue.
Roger Weber/THE NEWS
Even an editor at The News couldn’t wait to pose with the alpacas, and like all the other kids, decided she wanted one. Or three.
Mark Robe/THE NEWS
The lighted golf cart parade was led by a four-car train created by Lambs & Ivy Play Café; it won the competition for best entry.
Mark Robe/THE NEWS
The tree by the Riverside Casino, second from right, tied for runner up.
Cheryl Allen/THE NEWS
Hershberger Enterprises’ tree, on right, won the competition; on left, pink piggy fun by Brenneman Pork.
Cheryl Allen/THE NEWS
The Christmas tree decorated by Fresh! Award Winning Floral Design tied for runner up in the Christmas tree walk at the Kalona Historical Village.
Cheryl Allen/THE NEWS
Four kids took home slick new sled rides thanks to the Kalona Optimists.
Cheryl Allen/THE NEWS