Santa rides through town with his lighted reindeer to close out the Christmas parade and 10th annual Dickens Festival Saturday in Benton.
The Dickens Christmas Festival celebrated its 10th year Saturday in downtown Benton. Saturday’s event kicked off with Cookies with Santa at the GOP headquarters and included local businesses and organizations contributing to the holiday cheer with goodies, hot cocoa and other items. Dickens Alley featured a whole roasted pork, warm cider, fresh baked bread, soup and goodies for participants to enjoy in the spirit of an old-time Christmas like that found in the time of Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.”
Children and visitors had the opportunity to meet some of their favorite characters from the tale, including the Ghost of Christmas Present and Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as characters from more contemporary Christmas classics like the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Buddy the Elf.
Saturday’s festival concluded with the annual lighted Christmas parade, featuring floats from local organizations, politicians, churches and individuals according to this year’s theme to “tell a Christmas story.”
Little ones visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Cookies with Santa event Saturday in Benton
Residents wait for hot cocoa and cookies on the court square in Benton as the Dickens Festival kicks off Saturday in Benton.
Connor McHaney, 3, of Benton awaits judging for the children’s parade with Santa in his Batmobile.
(From left) Willow Duncan, 5, of Hardin, and her cousins Braxton Henderson, 5, of Benton and Adrian Culp, 5, of Benton prepare for the children’s parade on their decked out hot wheels.
Travis Kaufman, 6, of Sharpe sports his first place float in the children’s parade Saturday at Dickens Festival in Benton.
Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Byars makes the rounds as the town constable.
Carolers sing “Silent Night” in front of City Hall in Benton.
The roasted pig sits ready to be served as the Alley opens up to visitors.
Visitors walk the alley as it opens Saturday in Benton.
The Baker’s shoppe offers freshly made bread for visitors.
Visitors enjoy hot apple cider from the pub.
First Missionary Baptist hosts a live nativity scene across from the alley.
Santa rides through town with his lighted reindeer to close out the Christmas parade and 10th annual Dickens Festival Saturday in Benton.
