Shaw Local

News   •   Sports   •   eNewspapers   •   The Scene
Things to Do

Santa Takes Flight During Peru's Holiday Fest

Features Caroling, Cocoa, Parade and Photo ops

The City of Peru, located just a short drive to the West from Starved Rock State Park, will be hosting their biggest family-friendly holiday celebration to date! The festivities will kick off this Saturday, December 7th, at 11 A.M, with the city's 39th annual Pearl Harbor Day Parade. The route will start at Peru's Rescue Station and end at the South Shore Boat Club. The parade will feature a special fly over, with 5 classic WWII-era planes. 2 TBM Avengers and 3 T6 Warbirds are expected to dot the skies during this annual ceremony.

By Ryan Searl

The City of Peru, located just a short drive to the West from Starved Rock State Park, will be hosting their biggest family-friendly holiday celebration to date! The festivities will kick off this Saturday, December 7th, at 11 A.M, with the city's 39th annual Pearl Harbor Day Parade. The route will start at Peru's Rescue Station and end at the South Shore Boat Club. The parade will feature a special fly over, with 5 classic WWII-era planes. 2 TBM Avengers and 3 T6 Warbirds are expected to dot the skies during this annual ceremony.

But that's not the only aerial attraction happening this weekend, Santa Claus himself will be descending into town on a helicopter, following the Pearl Harbor Parade. At 1:15 p.m. Peru's Washington Park will serve as a makeshift helipad, with Santa's arrival signaling the start of a second parade. This holiday-themed parade will depart from the Peru Library, at 1:30 p.m, and conclude with a tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.

The LP chamber singers will be preforming all your favorite holiday songs, during the 2 p.m. tree lighting ceremony. For the kids, there will also be ornament decorating activities, tasty treats, Christmas movies and free photo ops with Santa Claus! Any child that visits Santa will also receive a free gift, with the help of Peru's Blue and Red organization. From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m, head over to Peru's Maude Powell statue, a monument celebrating the internationally renowned concert violinist and former Peru native, for free caroling and hot cocoa!

On Sunday, bring the whole family out to the Peru Fire Department (816 West St. Peru, IL) for their annual Breakfast with Santa. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m, enjoy pancakes, sausage and eggs with Chris Kringle himself! Following the breakfast Santa will be whisked away by his helicopter, signaling the end of this year's festivities.  For more information, visit: www.peru.il.us/?option=com_fileman&view=file&routed=1&name=Hometown%20Christmas%20Flyer.pdf&folder=&container=fileman-files Hometown Christmas in Peru City Hall 1901 4th Street Peru, IL 61354