Tomah’s annual Holiday Parade will kick off the Christmas season in Tomah Nov. 28, bringing thousands of spectators downtown for what organizers call the community’s unofficial start to the season.
The parade, organized by the Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce, begins at 7 p.m. with lineup at Tomah Middle School. The route heads south on Superior Avenue and will wrap up at Gillette Park by about 7:45 p.m., according to Chamber Executive Director Tina Thompson.
“It kind of serves in the community as the kickoff to the holiday season,” Thompson said.
The parade typically features about 50 entries, she said. This year’s theme, “Pages and Parades: A Story Book Spectacle,” encourages participating floats to lean into storytelling for their float designs. While entries do not need to be pre-approved, Thompson said participants often get creative.
“So we're anticipating people to kind of go off of ‘A Christmas Story’ theme,” she said. She added prizes are given in three categories for best kids’ entry, best nonprofit and best business float.
The chamber provides the parade’s only Santa, who will close the procession. Thompson said. The Tomah Police Department will lead the parade.
While the exact origins of the event are unclear, Thompson said its roots stretch back decades. Still, the community response continues to be strong.
“There'll be thousands of people on the sidewalks and in buildings and in their vehicles watching the parade go by,” Thompson said. “It's just a really great way to kick off the holiday season and kind of bring a little community cheer to a cold Friday night.”
Families also often make their way to Winnebago Park and Gillett Park after the parade to see the holiday lights, which are organized by a separate organization. Thompson said many spectators head there to see the lights after the parade.
Thompson encouraged attendees to dress for winter weather and to keep safety in mind along the route. She also asked residents to avoid parking on Superior Avenue to maintain clear viewing.
More information on this year’s parade is available on the chamber’s calendar of events on its website.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here