Veterans are our local heroes, said sponsors of Larned’s 102nd annual Christmas Parade. So, instead of one person serving as the parade marshal on Saturday, the sponsors at the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce chose the American Legion as this year’s honoree. The parade theme was “Have a SUPER(hero) Christmas!”

Healthy Choice Clinic had the first-place parade entry, a float based on the “Incredibles” superhero franchise. Pawnee Valley Community Hospital placed second and First Christian Church was third. 

The American flag led the parade with the American Legion float following. Santa and Mrs. Claus finished the parade.

Earlier in the morning, children could have breakfast with Santa at Glory Be restaurant. Kids could color a Christmas picture, color a Christmas ornament, and get a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast consisted of pizza, pancake/sausage on a stick; doughnut holes, and brownies, the perfect Christmas breakfast for kids, according to Great Bend Tribune correspondent Janet Fleske. “They also wrote letters to Santa and put them in the North Pole’s mailbox.”

On Sunday, the city of Rozel will have a Christmas celebration, with giveaways starting at 11 a.m.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Santa’s House will be open on the Pawnee County Courthouse lawn in Larned. Then on Saturday, Dec. 10, Larned Civic Pride will offer a kiddie shopping event at City Hall from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Dec. 10 is also the date for the city of Burdett’s Christmas celebration, starting at 11 a.m., with a parade at 1 p.m.