Whether it’s the first sight of snow or maybe the first batch of cookies, everyone has different first signs of Christmas. 

  For our town, it’s the annual Christmas walk. Our annual Christmas walk is a great tradition in Sterling/Rock Falls. Due to COVID-19, they made some adjustments. Mr. and Mrs. Claus were seen still greeting children through a glass shield as parents took pictures. Rows and rows of different booths were put together with games and crafts for everyone to enjoy. Booths handed out candy canes, apple cider, and more than enough Christmas cheer. 

  Santa’s workshop helped make so many memories and helped spread the Christmas joy. Small downtown shops fill up with people of our community, ready to support local businesses. Christmas music played over the speakers as everyone lined up for horse carriage rides, and fireworks ended the Christmas celebration with bang.  

  Senior Ciceli Lawson mentions, “It was my first year here, and I really liked the fireworks!”

  Many local students of S.H.S. gathered with their own booths for clubs, and many just stopped by for the festivities. It was cold, but guests were warmed up with hot chocolate and apple cider, and bright lights of the Christmas tree. 

  Even after being in a pandemic for a while, the town has shown that it is able to come together to bring normalcy and happiness. Huge shoutout to the business and people who volunteered to bring so much joy during this holiday season. 

Rock Falls Junior Optimist • Big Brother Big Sisters • Lutheran Social Services of Illinois • The Salvation Army • Sterling Public Library • Sterling Rock Falls Family YMCA • United Way of Whiteside County • YWCA of the Sauk Valley • Granny Rose Animal Shelter • Kreider Services • Sterling High School National Honor Society • US Cellular • Sterling Kiwanis • Sterling Kiwanis Key Club • Univ. of Illinois Extension – 4H • Woodlawn Arts Academy • Messiah Lutheran Church •  Surf Broadband • ComEd • Genesee Hillbillies 4H Club • NCCHS Choir & Dave’s Coffee Cakes • DD Homes