APPLETON (NBC 26) — After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade is back this year.
“We're just really thrilled to bring the parade back downtown," said Corey Otis, Parade chairperson. "It really felt like there was something missing last year and we're excited to bring that tradition back.”
The theme for this year’s parade is “Superhero Christmas!” In an effort to add to the spirit of the parade theme and highlight all United States veterans as superheroes, the Scarlet Guard American Legion Color Guard is coordinating a collaborative U.S. Veteran Superheroes marching unit. Honorably discharged veterans of the United States military, active duty personnel, reservists and guardsmen are welcomed to march.
“No matter what their job was when they served or when they are serving, whether it's in combat overseas or if it's stateside, everything that they did or do for our nation to keep us free is heroic and deserves the recognition," said Eric Stadler, Scarlet Guard American Legion Color Guard chairperson.
The Parade will feature all kinds of heroes, said Otis.
“We're going to see some healthcare heroes," he said." We're going to see some front-line workers. We're going to see some people from the comic books and the movies. And we're going to see a hero that traditionally is affiliated with Christmas near the end of the parade. I think everybody knows what I'm talking about.”
The Parade is scheduled for Tuesday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. It's referred to as being the largest nighttime parade in the Midwest, drawing an estimated more than 80,000 spectators.
The parade route is estimated to be one mile in length. Disabled veterans that use mobility aids are encouraged to participate at their discretion. Those interested in participating need to register by Friday, November 12th by calling 920-450-6907, or by email at eric.stadler1@gmail.com. Complete details will be provided after registering.
