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‘Cozy Country Christmas’ festival deemed a success

CHESTER — The 2017 Chester Hometown Christmas festival, held Saturday, has been deemed a success, according to Hometown Christmas committee members.

The annual Christmas celebration, with the theme of Cozy Country Christmas, included children’s activities at the city park, a chili cookoff sponsored by the Chester Lions Club, a Chinese auction and the annual Hometown Christmas Parade.

“Our goal was to have a fun-filled day, and I think we’ve accomplished that,” said committee spokeswoman Kristi O’Rourke.

More than 50 participants took part in the parade, which featured a variety of floats, fire trucks and groups from throughout the area.

Parade winners were the Hancock County Savings Bank, best overall float; Beaver Local High School Marching Band, best band; Kester’s Dance, best dance group; and Liverpool Township EMS, best EMS unit.

Prizes also were awarded for best decorated businesses during the celebration. Winners were Marlene’s A Cut Above, kid’s choice; Nationwide Insurance, mayor’s choice; and Frank’s Pastry, people’s choice, which was determined via online voting.

O’Rourke noted a larger turnout than anticipated for the children’s activities, which took place inside Badgley Pavilion at the city park, with the line extending outside the building. Children there were able to have pictures taken with Santa Claus, decorate plates, write letters to the troops serving overseas and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa.

In addition, a total of $732 was collected from this year’s auction, with proceeds going to F.I.S.H.

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