2024 Chamber Christmas Parade

This year, the parade theme is : Gingerbread Lane
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.

Greenridge Realty Annual Hot Cocoa Stand
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.

2024 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal: Paul and Lucy Kaczanowski
Mrs. Kaczanowski are longtime residents of Wayland and true pillars of our community. We couldn’t be more excited to have the Kaczanowskis as our grand marshals,” stated Denise Behm, Chamber Executive Director. The Kaczanowskis are best known for their humble servanthood attitude and willingness to serve their community.
 
Their journey as Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kaczanowski began 55 years ago when they were wed.   Residents of the City of Wayland since 1972, Paul and Lucy are known to many for the extensive time they have given the community. The Kaczanowskis have six children, twelve grandchildren and soon to be three great-grandchildren.
 
Paul was the co-owner of Wayland Chrysler for 35 years. During that time, Paul was very involved in the community, having served on the Board of Directors for the Wayland Union Education Foundation, City of Wayland Planning Commission and the Council for the City of Wayland. Paul currently serves on the Board of Review. 
 
Lucy retired from Archer Hampel Kubiak Funeral Home after 17 years of service. She also served on the Board of Education for St. Therese School and helped start the Home and School Association. In addition, Lucy spent time at the Laurels of Sandy Creek as a volunteer and currently volunteers at Allegan Pine Trails Elementary School.

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. This is a Christmas parade with the goal of sharing the Christmas spirit. If you are a political entree, please note that NO political flags or signage of any nature are allowed. If you have a banner you would like to carry, please ensure that only ONE banner is allowed and the banner is NOT larger than 3' long x 3' high. You will also need to adhere to the Christmas Parade theme or Christmas theme for the year.

Interested in taking part in the parade?
Please register using the Registration Link/Button above
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