New Carlisle residents ushered in the Christmas season on Dec. 2 with a Saturday full of community Christmas events

The day began with the arrival of Santa Claus at New Carlisle’s Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport at 9 am. Children welcomed Santa and took photos with the Jolly Old Elf before he was whisked away to serve as the Grand Marshall of New Carlisle’s annual Christmas parade.

The Tecumseh Marching Arrows led a lively procession of floats and Christmas characters sponsored by community service organizations, church groups, business owners, and avid Christmas fans as the parade’s participants marched down Main Street to the New Carlisle Fire Station. Santa held audience with the town’s small children at the fire station while the Marching Arrows played carols and a children’s costume contest was held in the firehouse.

Saturday evening, Santa Claus joined the record crowd who gathered to enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes while waiting for the official lighting of the community Christmas tree. City Councilman, Bill Lindsey, led residents in an invocation. The Tecumseh Swing Choir performed and led the crowd in several Christmas carols. Councilman Ethan Reynolds and Stephanie Willis arrived in their signature Christmas suits. Everyone joined Santa as he counted down to the moment New Carlisle’s Christmas tree was officially lit up for the Christmas season.

Reaction to New Carlisle’s Christmas kick-off was overwhelmingly positive. Adults commented repeatedly how much they enjoyed the time spent with family during the Christmas festivities, while children overwhelmingly responded that their favorite part of the day was seeing Santa.

As for Santa, he says his favorite parts of helping with New Carlisle’s Christmas kick-off were seeing the children’s excitement and helping folks get into the Christmas spirit. He also wants to remind people of the meaning of the Christmas holiday, saying, “Christmas doesn’t exist because of me [Santa]...I exist because Christmas exists.”