Malta Chamber 2023 Parade of Lights a Huge Success

The magic of Christmas hit the streets of Malta on Monday the 4th of December, and a good portion of the town residents showed up and lined the streets for the annual Parade of Lights.

As the music of the holiday season played at the Veterans Park on Front Street, families lined up and anxiously awaited the flashing lights and, of course, the candy thrown from the parade entries! Young and old, ready with bags, were scrambling to retrieve the goodies tossed among the crowd.

This year, the chairman for the Chamber of Commerce event was Tyler Arnold. Arnold said, "We were happy with the parade, it was great! I didn't get to see a lot of it because I was in it!"

Arnold said the judges selected the winners that received Dino Dollars for placing. First place, $100, went to Northwest Realty; second place for $50 went to the Phillips County Ambulance crew. Third place winner was the Milk River Beef Builders 4-H Club in the amount of $25.

Kaylee Williamson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Chamber, said she was busy inside her place of employment, Bank of Malta, as the night was their night for pictures with Santa. "From what we saw, it was a really good parade. We had a lot of floats. It looked great from the inside looking out!" She stated that they had a new record for kids and Santa, there were 250 who enjoyed the visits and memories with Santa that evening.

Chamber member, Julie Snellman, said of the festivities, "Tyler did an excellent job, we have heard good compliments about the event."

Vince Mace felt it went well, "...there were way more people than I thought was out there. It was a great turn out this year."

"It was the busiest we have been in several years for that night," said Eric Wilke, of Todd's Technology Store. "It was great!"

At the drawing at the First State Bank, Janice Reichelt's name was drawn for $100.

Various 4-H Clubs and organizations had set up displays along the businesses and at the Business Center on Front Street. Strolling customers could select chili, hot chocolate and other food as well as items from various private vendors and crafters.

Rachel Mortenson, leader for the Malta Steak 4-H Club said, "It was a beautiful night for the community to come watch a great parade. The chili feed was a great success and the youth are looking forward to shopping for the Angel Tree Program with the funds raised. Thank you to everyone who supported the youth."

The night was viewed a success as the weather was cooperative, setting the atmosphere for a holly, jolly evening.