With cold temperatures and a chance of snow in the forecast, downtown Escanaba is preparing for a festive and wintry night Friday for the annual Christmas Parade.
Leading the parade this year as Prince and Princess will be 7-year-olds Gerard Ellis and Marissa Miron, chosen by random drawing. The pair will ride at the front of the parade and help welcome the community to the holiday season.
“The duties are to have a big smile, ride in the parade, and wave at the crowd,” said Kathy Harvey, Prince and Princess coordinator. “After the parade, they will be the first in line at the Marketplace to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.”
Gerard and Marissa will receive Stormy Kromer hats to wear during the parade, along with gifts from local businesses. Santa will greet children at the Escanaba Marketplace following the parade.
Harvey said the parade remains one of the most magical nights of the year for families.
“We had the tree lighting last week and that was a wonderful way to kickoff the season but the parade itself on a Friday night is all lit up with a lot of kids and Christmas is all about the kids,” she said.
Parade Coordinator Janice Beauchamp loves the lights and creativity displayed during the parade, noting that float builders continue to bring energy and imagination to the event.
“There’s some real creativity that goes into these and a lot more time than you realize, so, come out and support the groups that have taken that time and effort into putting this together,” she said.
To recognize their work, The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority will award first, second and third place prizes in both commercial and non-commercial categories. Beauchamp added that there is still time to register for the parade.
“We have a lot of participants coming back but there’s also a lot of new ones. I’m excited to see some of the new floats this year just from seeing their registrations or talking with people,” said Beauchamp.
Parade registration is available at escanabadowntown.com/parade. It begins at city hall on Ludington Street at 6 p.m. and ends at 1st Avenue North on Stephenson Avenue.
New along the parade route this year will be hot chocolate stands, giving parade-goers a chance to warm up with cup of hot chocolate from participating downtown businesses.
“Even if it’s a little cold, a little hot chocolate helps,” Beauchamp said. “People come downtown early to get their spot, and this will make the wait more enjoyable.”
Hot chocolate stands can be found at Catmando’s, Elks Lodge #354, Hereford & Hops Steakhouse and Brewpub, Leigh’s Garden Winery, Grab & Go, Ludington Grill and Escanaba Marketplace.
She said you never know what the weather may be like in December. The National Weather Service in Marquette is calling for a 50 percent chance of snow on Friday with temperatures in the low 20s — just right for a classic Christmas parade in Escanaba.
For more information, visit escanabadowntown.com.
Comments