T-R FILE PHOTO
The annual Holiday Stroll is set for Nov. 23 and might include the Marshall County Courthouse. Details about the involvement of the iconic courthouse are still being finalized.

The annual Holiday Stroll is scheduled to light up Main Street on Nov. 23.

Carrying the theme of “Deck the Halls: A Vintage Christmas in the Historic District,” co-chair Alushia Fitzgerald said the event will bring back the parade. The parade was canceled last year due to tornado damage to downtown.

“People are excited that we are getting back to normal,” she said. “They also want to be involved, which is great. The parade and the carriage rides were always the biggest parts.”

Fitzgerald said they are still taking parade entries and the deadline to enter a float is Nov. 15. She said interested people can call her at 641-750-7797 or the Marshalltown Central Business District at 861-844-2001.

Some new events that will be featured this year are a Christmas crafts village and cookie decorating. The village will consist of local vendors showcasing their handmade crafts and baked goods. The cookie decorating does cost $3 but each person receives two sugar cookies, frosting and toppings to decorate however he or she sees fit.

“The kids can eat them there or take them home,” Fitzgerald said. “The money goes back into the Holiday Stroll. If we don’t charge a little bit for the little activities, we have to look for sponsors.”

Even though the schedule of events for the Christmas event has been released, Fitzgerald continues to work to add to the roster. She did not provide a lot of details, but teased that the Marshall County Courthouse might have a role in this year’s Holiday Stroll.

“The courthouse had the trees and it was a focal point,” Fitzgerald said. “I am trying to incorporate something with the courthouse and keep it as a focal point.”

The 2018 Holiday Stroll was scaled down significantly and Fitzgerald is working hard to bring the event back to its former glory.

“We want to try to expand and grow it,” she said. “It is a big community event that people enjoy.”

Holiday Stroll schedule:

• 3 p.m., Entertainment Holiday Concert, First Congregational Church, 312 W. Main St. Featuring the music from organist Hudson Laurenco, pianist Josh Grimes and handbells by the Community Bell Choir.

• 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., music, First Presbyterian Church, 101 S. Center St. Featuring performances by the Bobcat Academy and Miller Middle School Jazz Band.

• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., buy Mom’s Famous Fudge and register for door prizes, Stepping Stones Christian Book Store, 14 W. Main St.

• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Festival of Trees, Orpheum Black Box Theater, 220 E. Main St. Admission is $1 for anyone aged 12 and older. Children and veterans are free; Christmas Craft Village, Marshall County Courthouse; Cookie Decorating, McGregor’s Furniture Store, 111 W. Main St. Cost is $3 per cookie decorating kit which includes two sugar cookies, frosting and toppings; Gallery Garden and Van Gogh’s Holiday Photos, 129 E. Main St. John Stalzer Photography will do professional holiday photos in a decorated sleigh.

• 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Holiday Stroll Parade. It begins at the intersection of West Main and Third streets and proceeds to East Main Street and Second Avenue.

• 5:30 p.m., live music, Van Gogh’s, 129 E. Main St.

• Following the parade, Remix Dance Academy, 119 E. Main St. Live performances inside the studio.

• 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., music, Tallcorn Ballroom, 2 N. Second Ave. Featuring the Iowa Veterans Home choir and the Marshalltown Men’s Chorus.

• 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Kids Carnival, The Vineyard Church, 214 W. Main St.

• 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Santa’s Workshop, Great Western Bank, 11 N. First Ave.; Plum Hill Carriage Rides, Marshall County Community Services Building, 101 E. Main St. Admission is $5 for anyone age 13 and older and $2 for children age 2 to 12. People will have the chance to meet miniature horses Chance and Bandit.

• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., music, Orpheum Theater Center, 220 E. Main St. The Kay Brothers will perform. Tickets are $12.50.