Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Santa Clause rode through the streets of Hancock astride a specially decorated fire truck to kick off the City of Hancock's Annual Christmas Walk Friday.

HANCOCK – The weather was in a good mood for Hancock’s 54th annual Christmas Walk Friday evening. Temperatures in the low 20s and a slight northwest breeze greeted hundreds of people for the event, which was themed “Whoville in Hancock.”

Sponsored by the Hancock Business and Professionals Association and the city of Hancock, the celebration rang in the Christmas season at 6 p.m. with a parade on Quincy and Reservation streets, which ended at at Memorial Park, across the street from City Hall.

Businesses all along Quincy Street were open late, offering baked goods, hot and cold drinks, and plenty of treats and goodies, as well as the opportunity to warm up, and perhaps purchase some items. Businesses also participated in a friendly, traditional window decoration competition.

Despite his hectic schedule, Santa Clause found the time to ride a specially decorated fire truck in the parade, and proceed to light the city’s Christmas tree in Memorial Park before heading across the street to the Fire Hall to visit with children.

The Grinch was also present, as always, diligently trying to stop Christmas from coming and, as always, failing in the attempt, as children and businesses worked against him.

The children had the task of locating green glass ornaments containing a likeness of the Grinch’s face in multiple businesses. They then visited that business where they had a card stamped. The card contained a list of all participating businesses. If they located 10 ornaments, the children then put their name into a drawing to win a prize.

Carla Johnson, manager of the St. Vincent de Paul store, said this year’s Christmas Walk was a huge success. “It’s a good night,” she said with a smile. “We won (2nd place in the window contest). Business has been very good – all day long,” she said. “It’s been excellent. The weather cooperated, so that’s a big help.”

Hancock Police Chief Tami Sleeman concurred. “It’s looking pretty good,” she said. “There’s a lot of people out tonight. Even with this cool weather, it’s a nice surprise to see so many people out enjoying the event.”

Sleeman said she noticed large numbers of people stopping in to visit businesses along Quincy Street which, she said, was great to see. The Salvation Army took advantage of the large number of people out an about and stationed a kettle near its headquarters building, with a team of bell ringers on hand. Sarah Lahti, one of the bell ringers said people were quite responsive. “It’s been good tonight,” Lahti said. “It’s been pretty steady.”

Her belling-ringing partner, Donna Cole, agreed, adding the weather could not have been more perfect.

Nearby, at Quincy Green, kids were welcome to take a dog sled ride, and the Houghton County Fair Association provided free rides on its shuttle trailer, which was pulled by a tractor equipped with a snowblower attachment.

While the annual Christmas Walk ended at 8 p.m., businesses will keep their windows decorated through the holiday season, while owners already have begun planning for next year’s event.