2023 Chamber Christmas Parade

This year, the parade theme is A Charlie Brown Christmas
The parade theme 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. 

Santa visits will take place at the Wayland Fire Department at the conclusion of the parade.

2023 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal: Roger and Mary Jane Merren
“The Chamber of Commerce is honored to annually select the Grand Marshals to lead the 45^th Annual Chamber Christmas Parade started in 1978. Mr. and Mrs. Merren are longtime residents of Wayland and true pillars in our community. We couldn’t be more excited to have the Merrens as our grand marshals,” stated Denise Behm, Chamber Executive Director. The Merrens are best known for their humble servanthood attitude and willingness to serve their community.
 
Their journey as Mr. & Mrs. Roger Merren began 55 years ago when they were wed.   Both are 1967 graduates of Wayland High School. Roger retired from Harding’s Market in Wayland after 48 years while Mary Jane is a former Wayland business owner, including owning Wayland Variety & Fashion Zone Store in the 1980’s and 1990’s.  Roger is currently serving, and has been for 50 years, a faithful firefighter for the Wayland Fire Department. He was also selected as a Wayland Alumni Hall of Famer, coached Little League baseball and has worked the chains at home football games for 32 years.  Mary Jane served as the Science Curriculum Coordinator for Wayland Union Elementary Schools, served on the Wayland Union Education Foundation, and was also selected as a Wayland Alumni Hall of Famer. In addition, Mary Jane helped initiate the Neighborhood Watch Group in her neighborhood, coached Little League softball and has been a devoted board member to numerous boards throughout the years.
 
The Merrens have three children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Annual Pancake Breakfast
Prior to the parade, the community is invited to attend the annual pancake breakfast at the Wayland Fire Department, 160 W Superior Street, from 7:00am-10:00am.  For a nominal charge, guests can enjoy a hot breakfast consisting of an All-You-Can-Eat buffet consisting of pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, juice, milk, and coffee. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Wayland Fire Department.

For those interested in a warm beverage or snack prior to the parade, Greenridge Realty office in Wayland will be set up to serve complimentary cookies, donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate to anyone who would like to enjoy something warm while waiting for the parade.

Interested in taking part in the parade?
Please register using the Registration Link/Button HERE
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.
For parade participants, vehicle line up begins at 10:00am and walkers line up at 10:30. Participants are encouraged to play Christmas music via bluetooth speakers from any floats.  Parade participation is FREE. Parade rules can be found on the chamber website

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.

Political Entrees
We have had some political entrees ask if they can participate. If you are a political entree, please note that NO political flags of any nature are allowed. If you have a banner you would like to carry, please ensure that the banner is NO larger than 6' long x 3' high. You will also need to adhere to the Christmas Parade theme or Christmas theme.