APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Even after 51 years of the Appleton Christmas parade, tens of thousands continue to line up on college avenue to share excitement for the holidays.
“It’s always exciting,” Tommy Powers said, “It never disappoints. Never”
Some parade goers arrived several hours early to get a front row seat to the Midwest’s largest nighttime parade. Some had seen it before while others were seeing it all for the first time.
“For the last 15 years,” Kelani Castro said.
“This is my first time being here,” Benjamin Amerson said. “I’m excited to see the parade go through and see how it actually looks in person.”
“I haven’t been here in probably five years but as a kid, every single year,” Powers said.
“I’m going into it with a blank slate but I’ve heard good things about it,” Daniel Leon said.
Those who do go every year say it never gets old because of the way the community comes together to celebrate.
“You get to see all the smiles and kids playing and laughter and everybody seems happy,” Castro said.
“I’m really excited,” Leon said. “There’s friends out and about. It’s just a really good vibe out here.”
And the newcomers say expectations were met.
“I kind of figured it was going to be kind of lame and boring, but everyone’s nice and it’s awesome,” Amerson said.
This year’s parade featured 82 entries, including nearly two dozen marching bands. Those who attended say there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“I always like the giant like Festival Foods cart,” Powers said. “That’s my favorite.”
The parade is always scheduled on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
“It really is a way to usher in the holiday season,” Sue Melvin said. “It really is kind of the perfect time.”
Parade officials expected about 80,000 people would attend the parade.
