GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A few changes are in store for this year's Santa Parade in downtown Grand Rapids.
It is beginning a little closer to Christmas this year, on Saturday, December 7th. And it's starting later in the day, at 5 p.m. The parade also has a different route. It will begin at Michigan Street and head south down Division Avenue to Crescent, then over to Ionia, down to Pearl, over to Ottawa, then south to Louis, and west over to Rosa Parks Circle.
Riverbank Events & Media CEO Russ Hines said on West Michigan's Morning News more than 50 entries will be in the parade this year.
"We still have some space in the parade, so if you have not gotten your application in yet to have your business or nonprofit involved, go to GRSantaParade.com today. Registration closes on the 16th (Saturday)," he said.
After the parade, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony near Rosa Parks Circle at 6:45 p.m. with Santa Claus participating in that, as well.
"If you have an interest in being down there - if you're a business that's downtown and you want to get involved - the city has welcomed you there. There is no charge for that part of it," Hines said. "The other thing is that we're asking cultural groups to come down and set up, and show us what their culture does for the holidays."
There will be free coffee and hot chocolate. Hines said parade sponsor Gentex will be providing free cookies. The Grand Rapids Jaycees are the parade organizers.
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Photo: Source: Grand Rapids Santa Parade.