Chamber Announces D.K. Sprague as Grand Marshal
in the 2021 Chamber Christmas Parade

On Saturday, December 4^th, the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Wayland’s Annual Christmas Parade.  The parade will begin at 11:00am at the Wayland VFW Post 7581 located at 735 S Main Street. The parade will proceed North on Main, then go West on Superior. The parade will conclude at the Wayland Fire Department, 160 W Superior.  



2021 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal, D.K. Sprague & Izzy

Leading the parade will be our 2021 Grand Marshal, D.K. Sprague. D.K. is well known for serving as the Chairman for the Gun Lake Tribe for over 24 years. He has also been a large supporter in the chamber, schools and community. During Sprague’s tribal leadership, the tribe achieved federal re-acknowledgment in 1999 and accomplished the goal of becoming self sufficient with the opening of the Gun Lake Casino in 2011. Sprague proudly served his country in the U.S. Army including serving in the Vietnam War. In addition, Sprague volunteered with the Red Cross where he helped those in need during 14 natural disasters. Sprague is still very active in the community and enjoys spending time with his family including his amazing dog Izzy, watching his grandchildren in sports and playing golf – including golfing in the chamber’s annual golf outing. The chamber is proud to have D.K. lead our 2021 Christmas Parade.
 
This year, the parade theme is “White Christmas” which allows those entering the parade to decorate accordingly. It is not required to decorate to the theme, but it is required to be included in theme judging. Cash prizes are awarded for the top three non-profit participants who decorate according to the theme. For Profit businesses are eligible to win the annual Christmas Parade. Please note that the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce provides Santa and Mrs. Claus for the parade so it is requested that all other parade entries do not use another Santa, or Mrs. Claus, in their displays. This will avoid potential confusion for the children. 
 
Interested in taking part in the parade?
For parade participants, vehicle line up begins at 10:00am and walkers line up at 10:30. Parade participation is free. Registration and rules can be found on the chamber website www.waylandchamber.org on the Community Events page. In the "comments" section in the registration, please include if you are registering a float, a vehicle, horses, walkers, farm machinery or anything else you may be registering.

Warm Clothing and Non-Perishable Food WANTED!
In addition, the Wayland Boy Scout Troop 97 is encouraging parade spectators to bring non-perishable food items or gently used or new coats, gloves, scarfs, boots, and hats. There will be many Boy Scouts walking in the parade picking up these items along the route. Items can be handed to the Scouts as the walk by. All items will go towards the Wayland Area Christmas Project.