No matter how and what you celebrate during the holidays, the chance to see a parade in your city is always a delight for the eyes…especially children’s eyes.
On Saturday morning, the Art Van Santa Parade glides back into Grand Rapids with its famous reindeer, and I couldn’t be happier after a long and depressing 2016.
Soon the streets will be filled with the sounds of soaring vocals, hot brass, and a steady drum beat as local marching bands, carolers, and performers take to Monroe Avenue to announce the arrival of a fat man in a red suit who somehow has avoided diabetes all these years after a diet of candy canes, cookies, and room temperature milk laid out at nearly every home he visits each Christmas.
And just like other years, our parade will feature float entries created around the themes that emerge out of this holiday season.
We also have another reason to celebrate downtown this year, as the parade welcomes
glass ceiling bursting Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss as the 2016 Grand Marshal. She will be joined with Guest of Honor singer/songwriter Jacob Davis.
This event always attracts thousands of parade-goers, so do not be late and miss this once-a-year event being stuck in traffic or trying to find a parking space.
For those who cannot stand the cold, crowds, or are simply too busy to get out of bed this early on a Saturday to Monroe Avenue, then lucky you because the parade will be broadcast live on WOOD TV8 starting at 9 a.m.
Admission: Free