A lighted nighttime holiday parade featuring tens of thousands of lights and more than 70 entries is set for Sunday evening in Downtown Galesburg.
The third annual Holly Days Parade, sponsored by Blick Art Materials and organized by Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg, steps off at 5 p.m. Sunday along the usual parade route on Main Street. The parade will be preceded by the Santa Rescue at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
This year’s lighted nighttime parade theme is “Decades of Holly Days” and will feature over 70 entries, more than 1,500 people and tens of thousands of lights, representing festive scenes throughout the year, all from local organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups.
The parade will be led by this year’s Parade Grand Marshal, Tom Simkins, former Galesburg Fire Chief, now serving as the Special Projects Coordinator for the City of Galesburg. At 4:30 p.m. the Galesburg Fire Department will once again rescue Santa & Mrs. Claus and deliver them safely from atop First Mid Bank & Trust to kick off the festivities.
“The Holly Days Parade is the pinnacle of community togetherness, just with holiday cheer added in,” said Tessa Jones, Communications Manager for Experience Galesburg and the parade coordinator.
“We’re grateful for the many people that participate, showcasing their creative talents and those that attend year after year really allowing Galesburg to glow through more than just lights.”
The parade route will begin at Chambers and Main Streets, traveling west, before turning left onto South Cherry Street and ending at the Knox County Courthouse. Those that are unable to make it in-person can stream live on the City of Galesburg YouTube channel or on Experience Galesburg’s Facebook page.
If you’re there early, enjoy events at downtown locations like The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, Lindstrom’s TV & Appliance, The Bar 65, and more! While at the parade, enjoy music from The UPS Store, hot chocolate from Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee, and plenty of cheer from the thousands of parade attendees.
Santa & Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance at the end of the parade, so be sure to stick around.
