A popular annual holiday tradition, the Waterloo Santa Float is set to venture out onto the streets of town starting this Thursday evening and continuing each night through Dec. 23, spreading cheer and handing out treats to children. 

The float leaves at 5 p.m. each evening from the old fire station on Main Street and is led by a City of Waterloo vehicle with red and green flashing lights. 

Each night, there’ll be three golden tickets hidden amongst the treats. If you are lucky enough to find one, bring it to City Hall at 9 a.m. Dec. 24 to receive a prize from Santa. Only children ages 13 and under are eligible for prizes.

For more information, including the nightly schedule, visit waterloo.il.us/2023-santa-float. 

After local legend Harry Wolf made the decision in 2017 that he could no longer continue with his Waterloo German Band’s popular Santa Float, the City of Waterloo, Sister Cities of PortaLoo and Waterloo Chamber of Commerce came together to make sure the tradition would continue. 

The float constructed in 2017 was showing signs of wear after six seasons of use, so the city agreed to spend some of its gambling proceeds to revamp it for 2023. 

The revamped Waterloo Santa Float was designed with safety and comfort of the passengers and spectators as top priority, the city said. 

Waterloo city employees joined together to make the new float design come to life. 

Waterloo Community Relations Coordinator Sarah Deutch came up with a design and overall look to start from.

Waterloo Zoning and Subdivision Administrator Nathan Krebel and Waterloo Building Inspector Brad Yearian each used their respective construction backgrounds to perform carpentry work. 

Waterloo’s electric linemen wired the float, providing power for lights and heaters. 

John Luecking and Payton Dill of the city’s power plant assisted with many tasks associated with the float, and the street department made the North Pole sign on the float. 

Waterloo Mayor Stan Darter supported the team with ideas along the way to make this Santa Float the best it can be for the community.