Sterling kicks off holiday shopping season with fireworks display

STERLING — A fireworks display — many of the blooming bursts filled with reds and greens traditionally associated with the holiday season — lit the sky on Friday evening.

A few hundred people gathered to watch the display near the riverfront railroad tracks, many in the parking areas at Sterling Marketplace. Some stayed in their cars. Families with small children sometimes huddled together outside.

The fireworks display, shot high overhead the Rock River, were visible from far off, as well.

Before the display started, children at the Sterling Marketplace ran and played, throwing flying discs they had acquired during earlier activities at Santa’s Workshop.

All of this was part of the Seasonal Sights and Sounds that started shortly after sunset in downtown Sterling. Santa arrived and the Christmas tree was lit at Library Plaza along Locus and Fourth. At Santa’s Workshop there were booths and displays and chances to for children to share their gift wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

There were also horse and carriage rides through the downtown. Businesses stayed open later, giving holiday shoppers a chance to buy specialty items. Restaurants and bars in the downtown seemed to be doing lively business, as well.

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From beneath the shelter of the Sterling Marketplace, people gathered on Friday night Dec. 3 to watch the fireworks display that concluded the Seasonal Sights and Sounds festivities in downtown Sterling. (Troy Taylor)