Photos by Ruby F. Bodeker and Soren M. Peterson

The view looking east toward Traer’s downtown moments ahead of the town’s annual holiday parade on Friday, Dec. 3. Photo Soren M. Peterson

Ahead of the Traer holiday parade, the young and old alike were invited to drop letters in Santa’s mailbox located at the base of the Winding Stairs. Joyful children could be seen flitting around beneath the staircase in the waning light of day as snow ‘magically’ fell from above – courtesy of a Chamber of Commerce snow machine. Photos by Soren M. Peterson

Photo Soren M. Peterson

Making both its debut and final ride in Traer’s holiday parade this year was a North Tama school bus driven by Transportation Director and rural route driver Joel Larsen (pictured in driver’s seat). Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

The bus is being retired which gave Larsen the idea to string a few lights across one side and put it on display near the bus barn, but Supt. David Hill had other ideas, Larsen said, and asked him to decorate it for the parade instead. Larsen was able to attach colorful holiday lights all over the bus after screwing holes in its frame, he also affixed a lighted Christmas tree on top, and gave an illuminated plastic snowman a ride inside. Photos by Ruby F. Bodeker

A very merry sendoff! Area schoolchildren and their parents were invited to take one final ride on a North Tama school bus slated for retirement during Traer’s holiday parade. Photo Ruby F. Bodeker

The Junkyard co-owner Channing Halstead (center, behind bar) can be glimpsed through her establishment’s festive front window as she works to fill drink orders and chat with customers enjoying the various food specials offered last Friday evening as part of Traer’s Holiday Happenings Weekend kickoff. Photo by Soren M. Peterson

The holiday parade featured Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Traer fire engine. Photo by Soren M. Peterson

An antique Case tractor festooned with lights idles in the street prior to Traer’s holiday parade last Friday evening. Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Traer Library Director Diane Panfil (center) poses in the library with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fulfilling both her library and Santa’s elf duties Friday afternoon as part of the kickoff to Traer’s Holiday Happenings Weekend. Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Santa and Mrs. Claus met with eager children – including the two youngsters pictured, posed for photos, and handed out holiday treats at the Traer Library ahead of the holiday parade. Photo by Soren M. Peterson