Christmas in the Park deemed a success despite rain threat

Eleven-year-old Suzanne poses with Santa Claus following a discussion about her Christmas list. The Blue Mound girl was one of many who took advantage of the Mound City Historical Society's Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 1. (Roger Sims/Linn County Journal)

MOUND CITY – The Mound City's Christmas in the Park event on Saturday, Dec. 1, was a throwback to a simpler time as area residents gathered in the old one-room school house. There they sang carols, listened to a handbell group play Christmas melodies and then welcomed Ol' Saint Nick, who distributed presents and treats to the children who came.

The event was the second year that the newly revived Mound City Historical Society brought a Christmas celebration back to the historical park since the former event, Village in the Valley, faded away.

Despite only a small space heater in the one-room school house, young and old alike crowded in to sing Christmas carols. (Chesney Thomas/Photography by Chesney)

Despite the cold rain in the late afternoon, residents crowded into the school house to sing along with the carols and listen appreciatively to the bell-ringers.

The live Nativity re-enactment sponsored by the Mound City United Methodist Church went on as planned, despite the threat of rain. Tucked inside the newly renovated historical barn, young people dressed as angels "hovered" over the manger on straw bales as a wise person with a camel, shepherds with sheep and a donkey, gathered around.

Dakota Johnson and her children were treated to cookies and hot chocolate in the house at the historical park. (Roger Sims/Linn County Journal)

Over in the house, hostesses served up a variety of Christmas cookies and hot chocolate to the guests.

Several of the historical society members said they were pleased with the turnout, and looked forward to sponsoring the event next year.

The Nativity re-enactment sponsored by the Mound City United Methodist Church was tucked inside the renovated barn to guard against rain. (Chesney Thomas/Photography by Chesney)

More photos by Chesney Thomas: