Sauntering through the snow covered sidewalks, enjoying the sweet, but slightly off-tune, sound of the Christmas carolers, while gazing at the intricately decorated storefront windows, one could spend their entire day admiring the holiday spirit filled town on November 28th, the day of Deck the Falls. Although the twenty four hours are short, the process to make this happen is not. Float crews plan months in advance the entangled details that go along with constructing the holiday masterpiece citizens have come to enjoy.

“We started about a month ago, figuring out who was going to be what in our live nativity,” responded Kathy Illa when asked about their float creating process, which seems to be the general consensus in the float making community when piecing together their festive work of art. According to one of the float masterminds, without the undivided help of the selfless volunteers who take priceless time out of their own holiday celebrations, the parade would not be possible. This treasured introduction to the holiday season has been going on for generations creating lasting memories for all who attend. From early morning to late evening, residents and supportive out-of-town visitors strolled the streets to support their local small businesses located throughout Cannon Falls.

Throughout the day, apple cider and fresh baked sugar cookies lingered in the air, offered without cost to anyone who will take a peek at their small, family-owned business. The well known and warm hearted bell ringers lined the bustling sidewalks, raising money for a deserving cause, the Salvation Army. Discounts, door prizes, and drawings were held in participating businesses around the festive town. “And what would you like for Christmas this year?” asked the rosy cheeked and pleasantly plump Santa Claus at the Hi-Quality Bakery, as children sat upon his lap. Slips with names were entered in drawing boxes located in many small businesses throughout Cannon Falls in hopes to win Chamber Dollars, money spendable at any local business, at the tree lighting ceremony.

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly, falalalala, lala la la,” sang the gathering crowd with steaming cups of apple cider in hand, awaiting the magnificent tree lighting ceremony. Although the countdown to the tree lighting was only from ten, the spirits of the crowd was at least a one hundred on the energy scale. All of the festivities that had taken place that day had led up to this specific moment: “Three, two, one!” shouted the gatherers as the illumination of the massive tree replaced the darkness of the town. In the glowing light of the tree, names were drawn from the raffle boxes that had been around town during the day. Chamber Dollars, were distributed to the small business enthusiasts to continue their shopping expeditions.

A day filled with deals, extravagant floats, and a newly lit tree left all participants of the Deck the FAlls festivities eager for the holiday season. Trudging home after a tiresome day, family and friends diverged to their own homes with the holiday tunes stuck in their head.