Residents came from across the county to enjoy activities, shopping, dining and entertainment both Friday night and all day Saturday.
“I thought it was a nice event,” New Richmond Mayor Ramona Carr said.
Friday night featured a tree lighting ceremony, carriage rides, carolers, a student art show, live nativity scene and more. Saturday featured the arrival of Santa, the Santa Paws Pet Parade, hay wagon history tours, craft vendors, a train display and more.
“I think it went well,” Linda Shuck, a volunteer from Historic New Richmond, said about the event. “We had a nice collection of people for the Santa Paws Pet Parade and the community parade. More the 50 craft vendors came to the village and I think that went well.”
A River Village Christmas has become a tradition for many people in the county over the years. It is organized by New Richmond Riverfest’s Christmas committee.
Gary Skeene, village councilman and a member of the Christmas committee, took on the role of Santa during the event this year.
“I thought it was a worthwhile event,” Skeene said. “Being Santa, it surprised me how excited kids got. They just mobbed us!”
Skeene made an appearance Friday, and led the Santa Paws Pet Parade on Saturday.
Despite the colder temperatures, dozens of pet owners came out to participate in the pet parade with their dogs, and other animals, in tow.
“It’s fun to do,” Janelle Reynolds, who brought her dogs Tank and Maddie from Amelia, said. “I enjoy bringing the dogs out.”
There was also a regular parade later in the day, and Shuck said there ended up being a long line-up of participants.
“It’s a great place to come and feel a part of the community,” Karen Spradlin, of Eastgate said about the festivities. “It always has a small-town feel just like in all the Christmas movies. Where else can you get that?”
Spradlin said she came back to New Richmond on Saturday so she could shop, see the river and participate in the pet parade. On Friday she came to see all the lights and enjoy the nighttime festivities.
“I wanted to experience what they do in the movies,” Spradlin said.