More than 70 entrants have registered to be in the Escanaba Christmas Parade Friday night. Organizers found the response to be overwhelming.
“The interest has been spectacular,” said Janice Beauchamp, parade coordinator. “We even have some of the big stores like Meijer and L&M Fleet joining us. We are happy about that. We also have the Post Office in the parade. They will be collecting letters for Santa Claus this year. And, Toys for Tots will be collecting gifts.”
Beauchamp said she is concerned that parade goers may not be aware of the changes in this year’s parade. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and run from the Escanaba City Hall to Stephenson Avenue. The route will allow staging into Ludington Park and ending at the west end of the Upper Elementary School.
“We are starting at city hall this year which is new as well as a new starting time of 6 o’clock. People who are in the parade should start to be lining up at 5 o’clock. We will also have a new ending spot which is by the Escanaba Marketplace where Santa will be at the end of the parade. Children will be able to talk with Santa,” Beauchamp said.
The parade will turn at Stephenson Avenue and disperse on 1st Avenue North at the school.
“With so many participants in the parade, and in some cases large vehicles, ending the parade at the Upper Elementary School was a much safer option. Going past the school to Stephenson Avenue and then swinging back to the school on 1st Avenue North will also help with the flow of the parade,” said Craig Woerpel, director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority.
Woerpel said he understands that it will change how some people view the parade west of Stephenson Avenue.
“The time, direction and route changes are all meant to make it better for those participating in the parade,” he said.
There was also a tremendous response this year for those who wanted to serve as Grand Marshalls for the parade. Nearly 100 youngsters registered to serve as Prince and Princess.
Chosen by random drawing were Karsin Lund, 7, and Ashleigh Hossele, 6. Kathy Harvey, Prince and Princess coordinator, said the two will have a great time leading the parade.
“We have a set of Stormy Kromer hats for them to wear and Christmas-themed blankets,” Harvey said. “Since they will be in an open convertible, we will have hot chocolate if they need it. They will also have sashes and be the first in line to see Santa at the Marketplace when the parade is finished.”
Following the parade, kids can line up to meet Santa at the Escanaba Marketplace.
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