Grand Rapids Reporter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich, – Santa Clause IS coming to town, after all! The Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade will return Saturday, Nov. 18 after volunteers stepped up to continue the cherished holiday tradition down the streets of downtown Grand Rapids.

The 2023 Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 from the corner of Lyon Street and Monroe Avenue NW and travels down Monroe to Monroe Center Street to Division N. to Fulton Street E to Jefferson Street NE. Parade events conclude at approximately 11 a.m. in the parking lot of First United Methodist Church where organizers will host a party for kids and families. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and Family Promise of West Michigan will be on hand to provide fun activities. Santa also will stop by to visit with families.

After learning of its cancellation last week, the City’s Office of Special Events (OSE) pulled together event organizers, volunteers and business leaders who were saddened by the news and rallied to continue this family-friendly event. The group, including folks with experience organizing major events such as the Amway River Bank Run, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Grand Rapids Fireworks and other signature events, quickly organized and worked out a plan with the JR Chamber to save this year’s parade.

City of Grand Rapids Special Events Manager Evette Pittman said that several people contacted the Special Events office after the announcement and “asked us to do everything possible to keep this great tradition alive. We went to work immediately to do just that. I am very pleased with the collaborative response from our community and staff and am proud that we will celebrate a 102nd Santa Parade here in Grand Rapids on November 18.”

Gentex, learning of this renewed effort, enthusiastically agreed to return as the Santa Clause Parade’s lead sponsor. Likewise, past corporate sponsors – such as Meijer, Experience Grand Rapids, AHC Hospitality and WOOD TV8 – also announced their support of this year’s holiday event.

“Like everyone, we were saddened by the news of the parade’s cancellation,” said Craig Piersma, Gentex vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “But we’re beyond thrilled to be back as the event’s title sponsor, knowing that so many have stepped up to make sure our kids have a great Santa Parade again this year.”

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss thanked all who stepped up in the spirit of unity and community to continue this holiday institution.

“I love welcoming hundreds of families downtown every year to kick off the holidays and welcome Santa back to Grand Rapids,” Bliss said. “I thank the JR Chamber for their years of hosting this event. Its institutional knowledge has been invaluable to help our committee plan this year’s event. I also appreciate those who have stepped forward to save this year’s event and encourage the community to support it with their attendance and participation,” she said.

"The Grand Rapids Junior Chamber has been an enthusiastic facilitator of the Grand Rapids Santa Parade for many years, bringing a vibrant energy and community spirit to this beloved annual event," said Brandon Diller, president of the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce. "As a volunteer run organization dedicated to creating leaders, we are excited to partner with the city and fellow community members to continue keeping this cherished tradition alive for the families and residents of Grand Rapids."

Original source can be found here.