Editor’s note: Visit Morrison Garden Club on Facebook for more of Vern Latwesen’s photos.

Monday, November 27, 2023, was one of the coldest of the year, with temperatures in the low 20s, chilly breezes, and no warmth from the late autumn sun. Yet that afternoon, some of the most hard-working and creative local citizens gathered, to transform the corner of IL Route 78 and U. S. Highway 30, for the Morrison Chamber of Commerce “Storybook Christmas” Parade and Walk on Saturday, December 2.

Each year, Morrison Garden Club creates whimsy at the site of the Christmas Tree Lighting and Community Carol Singing.

Some Morrison Garden Club and volunteers are pictured in alphabetical order: Lara Adolph; Becky Brady; Judy Deter; Susan Horn; Jan Kelly; Mary and Vern Latwesen; Jan Mayes; Sharon Moore; Vicki Weibenga; Isako Wersinger; Kelly West. Members had worked in well-orchestrated teams earlier, to prepare countless items to display on “the sandwich corner,” in Morrison, IL, for the Holiday season. Patrick Moore built the fireplace “a few years ago,” stated Sharon, “and helped a little at home.”

Much creative ideation took place earlier in the year to match the Club’s theme, “The Night Before Christmas.” Assorted decorative props were purchased. Tree pallets were transformed and items were fabricated. Vern Latwesen took these photos of indoor assembly and outdoor implementation.