15 WEEKLY 2025
DECEMBER
VOL 3 • NO. 43
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B A L D W I N
C I T Y
N E W S P A P E R
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO DOWNTOWN BALDWIN CITY snapped photos and enjoyed the festive décor around the square. The parade itself was a highlight of the night, featuring creative light-filled entries from local organizations, businesses, and families. Judging this year’s parade were: Jody and Debbie Fournier — Jody, president of Baker University, and his wife Debbie, who have quickly become an enthusiastic part of the Baldwin City community. Jamie Davis, co-owner of One Choice Heating & Cooling, along with team member Debbie King, whose continued support made the event possible. Annette, recipient of the Margaret Boyd Maple Leaf Scholarship, an honor rooted deeply in Baldwin City’s history and the legacy of Maple Leaf Festival founders. Festival of Lights Parade Winners Adult Individual Entry
1st Place: Beins/Valentine Family Float 2nd Place (four-way tie):
Mid-America Bank staff brought holiday cheer to the Festival of Lights Parade with their festive gingerbread-themed float, lending big smiles and community spirit to downtown Baldwin City.
Downtown Baldwin City sparkled with holiday tradition on Saturday, December 6, as the community gathered for the annual Festival of Lights, an evening filled with music, shopping, family fun, and the much-anticipated parade. Presented by the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, the event was made possible with the generous support of One Choice Heating & Cooling, title sponsor, and Mediacom, parade prize sponsor.
Festivities kicked off at 4 p.m. with the Festival of Lights Market inside Sullivan Square, giving families the chance to start their holiday shopping early while enjoying a festive atmosphere. Shoppers browsed local gift vendors, snagged unique presents, and even picked out fresh-cut Christmas trees and wreaths, making it possible to check multiple holiday to-dos off the list in one stop. \As the excitement built, downtown streets closed to traffic and 88.9 Live Radio set up in the heart of the action,
bringing music, games, and prizes to the crowd as families lined the sidewalks, bundled up and ready for the parade. The energy downtown reflected everything the Festival of Lights has become known for—community connection, small-town holiday magic, and shared traditions. Throughout the evening, community partners added to the festive experience. The Lumberyard Arts Center welcomed visitors with gingerbread houses on display and its ongoing Itty Bitty Picture Show. The Methodist Church hosted a popular soup supper and live nativity, offering both a warm meal and a meaningful moment of reflection. Festival-goers were also treated to performances by an eightpiece Baldwin High School brass band, led by Mr. Stuart O’Neil, whose music filled the night with seasonal cheer. Inside Sullivan Square, families enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies, generously sponsored by the Baldwin Education Foundation, Baldwin City Library, Lovely Flower Co., and South Baldwin Farms, while kids
This category proved to be especially festive and competitive, resulting in a rare four-way tie for second place. Rather than dividing entries into second and third place, all four entries tied for second will receive prize money.
Dorothy Van Cleave, Randy Hendry and Family, Dee Crist and Lucky Charm, Kaylee Eve and Captain Business Entry
1st Place: Heritage Tractor 2nd Place: Baldwin City Creative Arts 3rd Place: Knights of Columbus
Junior Individual Entry
1st Place: Troop 65 2nd Place: Baldwin City Cub Scouts Pack 3065
USD / Baker Entry
1st Place: Parents as Teachers, USD 348
By the time Santa made his appearance and the final lights rolled down High Street, it was clear that the Festival of Lights once again delivered on its promise: a night where Baldwin City came together to celebrate the season, support local, and create memories that will last long after the lights are packed away.