Hamel Santa in the Park contest once again success

Hamel had its fourth annual Santa in the Park competition recently and it has become an entrenched tradition during the holiday season.

In the recent contest, a total of 226 voted, 14 business and community groups participated and Hamel Co-op emerged the winner. All the trees were displayed in front of Hamel Village Hall.

Hamel Village President Larry Bloemker said people in the village look forward to the Santa in the Park contest each year.

“For a town of 816, we had a quarter of our population voting for their favorite holiday tree,” he said.

$40 Camp Physicals

Shop Local

Airline Care Clinic

Get This Deal →

Bloemker has been village president for four years.

“We put a lot of focus on building the community and giving,” he said. “We have Trick or Treat in the Park, Movie in the Park and Santa in the Park. Any community this size has this closeness.”

Businesswise, Hamel continues to expand and grow, evident with McDonald’s expansion into the village.

“We have always been very strong on the business side,” he said.

More like this:

Mayor McCormick, Godfrey Officials Seeks Public Pulse On Rec Center

3 days ago

Godfrey Mayor Expresses Excitement for Upcoming Projects and Growth

May 8, 2026

Future Shared Use Path To Connect Glen Carbon, Edwardsville High School Campus

6 days ago

Maryville to Host Memorial Day Celebration with Live Music, Pig Roast, Games and More

May 22, 2026

Bethalto Prepares for Homecoming Weekend Fun

Jun 9, 2026