The Rike’s Toy Parade, which first kicked off the holiday shopping season in 1923, is one of Dayton’s earliest traditions.
Spectators clogged sidewalks and filled the windows of downtown buildings overlooking the spectacle as it traveled Main Street.
Among the sites was Princess Sari, a life sized-puppet, who rode her royal elephant Jumbo through the streets in 1935. The animated and gilded beast was propelled by four men underneath as she was followed by costumed escorts.
The highlight each year was Santa Claus and his merry elves, who rode into Dayton on a throne of snow and ice.
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Community Christmas trees and parades are also a long-time custom in Springfield.
In 1947, a 35-foot cedar tree was displayed on the esplanade ahead of the city’s holiday season kickoff, much like today’s Holiday in the City celebration.
The tree was illuminated the day after Thanksgiving followed by a two-hour “Balloon Parade” with more than 50 looming figures bobbing through the streets of the Champion City.
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Christmas walks, elaborate light displays and family expeditions to tree farms are among the holiday season traditions in Butler County.
For years, families have wandered through rows of evergreens in search of the perfect tree at Kern Nursery in Liberty Twp. Singing carols on the drive home with the tree strapped to the roof is a holiday memory for many.
And nothing captures the magic and wonder of this time of year more than the expressions on children’s faces as they visit with Santa at Fairfield City Hall in 1987.
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