Santa Claus flipped the switch and the Christmas lights came on in Heritage Park at the end of the 23rd annual Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade.

There were 50 entries in the parade ranging from the Shriner’s mini-wheels to the the 1st Infantry Division Band and the Junction City High School marching band. But the highlight when Santa Claus arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, spoke to the crowd, and flipped the switch on a platform in Heritage Park to turn on the lights. Then children had a chance to meet with Santa in his house in the park where they could convey their Christmas wishes and pose for pictures.

Multiple awards were presented to entries in the parade. They included the Mayor’s Award to the Junction City Little Theater, The Youth Award to the Girl Scouts, the Chamber of Commerce Award to the Exchange Bank, Founders Award to Lyons Creek 4-h Club and the Geary County Commission Award to the FIlipino American entry.