Belton celebrates Christmas on the Chisholm Trail

By Shanna Grote

The Belton Journal

Christmas on the Chisholm Trail returned to Belton Dec. 6–8, transforming downtown Belton into a two-day holiday celebration filled with music, food, shopping and family activities. The annual event drew people from across the state and boosted holiday cheer with small town flair.

Festivities began Friday evening with a movie on the Square. Families snuggled in blankets and chairs and, when the crowd cheered, a large lighted lever was shifted and the massive decorated Christmas tree in front of the courthouse lit up with thousands of lights. The crowd cheered as the courthouse was also lit up with red, green, and white lights. Following the tree lighting, the ice skating rink opened for families to enjoy until 10 p.m.

On Saturday, events began at noon with warmer temps and sunny skies. More than 100 vendors lined the downtown area and people filled the streets to enjoy. Belton Masonic Lodge rolled wagons around the streets giving away free hot dogs to shoppers. My Giving Tree set up a photo booth with hay and an inflatable Christmas scene. Children sat on the curb enjoying their free hot dogs and taking in the atmosphere.

Karen Wheeler, also known as the Pie Lady, was nearly sold out of pies by 3 p.m. Wheeler was decked out in a purple shirt and matching hat that said “The Pie Lady.”

“It was the perfect day. The weather, the music, the crowd, was perfect,” Wheeler said. She sells a variety of pies with buttermilk, tollhouse, and pecan being fan favorites.

Hula dancers performed in front of the courthouse and gave out leis as they invited the crowd to join in. Other performances were held by UMHB, Belton Middle School Band, and Temple College. The crowds stopped to enjoy activities and also viewed from picnic tables set up in the streets.

Santa was available from noon to 5:30 p.m. with a line that went around the corner. After visiting with Santa and getting a photo, each of Santa’s visitors received a candy cane from city staff. Children smiled and told Santa all their wishes. Santa also had a host of adult visitors, everyone gentleman in his wheelchair was seen enjoying visiting with Santa briefly over a smile and a handshake.

The ice skating rink was run by city staff. There was a line with excited skaters as the city staff politely and quickly checked them in. Skaters could be found gliding and falling all around the rink. Belton expanded their rink this year, giving ample space for skaters. Ice skating nearly behind the rink, Belton Fire Department had a first aid station available for any needs of attendees. Large inflatables including inflatable axe throwing was also set up near the rink. Children laughed wildly as they bounced around.

A variety of other activities were also available. Belton Public Library gave away free children’s books in winter village. Free photo opportunities were available across the downtown area. The famous oversized red chair was a fun spot for people to sit and take photos. Howdy shots took free digital photos with fun backgrounds and props. Children could paint wooden reindeer made of cut logs and antlers made of tree branches. Popcorn Friday gave away free popcorn samples. And adorable red mailbox was displayed with a table to Santa to place in the mailbox. Nolan Creek Brewery had a live band playing and a nice spot to relax for attendees.

As the late afternoon set in, more people flowed into the streets preparing for the parade which began at 6 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets were some of the most popular items. Crown and Cactus Co. hosted a private event in front of their store with a large balloon arch and plenty of seating for parade viewing. The city mayor rolled through on a large green tractor covered in Christmas lights. The city council pulled the big red wagon behind him with the Trucking Santa and large Christmas tree and lights. The BHS Marine Core JROTC marched in uniform and Santa hats. The BHS cheerleaders also were on foot with red and white pom poms followed by the Tiger mascot. Temple EMS decorated an ambulance covered in lights with a massive inflatable Santa hat on top of the cab. The Belton Chief of Police walked the parade with large dogs and his Santa hat, waving to the crowd.

One float that gained lots of cheers was a decorated pedal cart from Pinky’s with bubbles blowing behind it. Belton Police Foundation towed a large trailer with a snowman and Christmas sleigh. Snoopy was proudly waving in front. The Green Grinch was spotted waving wildly and revving his motorcycle engine to the crowd. A blue and white semi truck pulled a trailer decorated like a train including the engine smoke. A large trailer float mimicked a life size gingerbread house. Santa was featured in a large red classic car with his elves behind him. As the parade wound down and people cleared out, patrons chatted about the fun they had. It is safe to say Christmas on the Chisholm Trail in downtown Belton was a huge success.