By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

After 15 years, the Geneseo Victorian Walk returned in grand fashion on Saturday, Dec. 10, in Geneseo.

It is estimated that more than 9,000 residents and visitors were in Geneseo on Dec. 10 for the annual Christmas Walk…and what Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, described as “one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen in Geneseo!”

The Geneseo Chamber sponsors the Walk, and this year the committee took a step back in time by using a theme of “Victorian Walk Throwback.” The Walk was highlighted by many of the classic attractions of Victorian Walk past, including ice sculptures, horse and buggy rides, living windows, and a spectacular Lighted Christmas Parade.

The excitement was detected early in the afternoon of Dec. 10, and Sullivan said, “There was an electric buzz of anticipation in the air in downtown Geneseo as State Street was closed to vehicle traffic and Victorian Walk activities got underway.”

Live Christmas music greeted guests, smiles filled the street and laughter could be heard during the entire event that attracted over 9,000 people to Geneseo.

“Stores and restaurants in Geneseo were packed from the morning onward, as shoppers came out to support local small businesses,” Sullivan said. ‘Many all-time favorite features were on full display this year as well, including trolley rides, the Jingle Run 5K, the Central Bank Pavilion of Lights and luminaries at City Park.”

“Geneseo’s Christmas Walk event is the community’s biggest and most cherished event of the year,” he added. “The Victorian Walk name is special to Geneseo and we knew we had to work hard to live up to its reputation, but we also have the unique perspective of attending the Victorian Walks in our childhoods. Those memories are what helped us craft the presentation of this year’s ‘Victorian Walk Throwback’ theme.”

Sullivan noted that there were many visitors from out of town and the Quad City area this year, “with several indicating that this was their first Geneseo Christmas Walk experience,” he said, and added, “I am so proud of the hard work the Christmas Walk committee, volunteers, and the businesses hosting living windows, building parade floats, or offering a warming station. The City of Genesco’s support and assistance in coordinating the event is phenomenal. The Geneseo Christmas Walk event truly is an incredible community effort. We are thrilled with the turnout this year. It was an amazing showcase of Geneseo.”

Sullivan said the Victorian Walk Throwback magic can be relived on Geneseo TV50, which will be rebroadcasting the Lighted Christmas Parade and the Tree Lighting Ceremony throughout the holiday season. Check TV 50’s broadcast schedule for more information.