Credit the global pandemic for part of the inspiration in Westphalia's biggest Christmas celebration in recent memory.
On Sunday, Westphalia held Christmas on Main, featuring a parade, visits with Santa, a tree lighting ceremony, caroling and a live nativity scene. The parade, between the entrants and spectators, appeared to far exceed Westphalia's population of 345.
Years ago, the town had a Kris Kringle event but it hasn't had a big Christmas celebration recently.
The pandemic started to change that last year when some residents decided to hold a parade around the town's nursing home. It was a small parade with maybe 12 entries. But with COVID-19 lockdowns, it was a rare chance for the nursing home residents to connect with the outside world.
"The nursing home kind of organized (it)," Sue Lauberth said. "People wanted to do a Christmas parade so they could see their loved ones outside in the parade. That went so well last year, we said, 'OK, we need to do this every year.'"
Lauberth coordinated this year's parade, which again went around the nursing home before winding around town.
Terry and Merry Neuner, owners of Westphalia Vineyards, also played a part in bringing about the event.
"We went years without having a tree, and a bunch of locals who come and watch the Chiefs game here all the time, we all decided we needed a Christmas tree," Mary Neuner said.
"We were just going to do the tree out here," she said, pointing to the outside of her Main Street business. "And then it went from there to what we had today. And I imagine next year it's going to be bigger.
"People love Westphalia. It's the German way to celebrate," she said. "It's a lot of fun and everybody helps one another."
Lauberth said this year's parade had around 30 entrants.
"Hopefully next year, we'd like to do vendors and everything up through the streets so we can accomplish a little bit more down in the other part of town," she said.
The grand marshal of this year's parade was Rosemary Wieberg, the town's oldest resident at 95. The Westphalia native said she loves Christmas, especially being able to go around town to see the lights.
She said new Christmas events are a welcome addition.
"It's good. I think they should keep doing it," she said. "I'm glad everybody turned out, and I give thanks to God for the weather."
Temperatures reached into the mid-50s under clear skies.
Danielle Plassmeyer watched her children, Jude and Evan, get candy during the parade.
"The kids are excited," she said. "It gets you in the spirit."