APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Throughout its 52-year history, the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade has been a source of joy for all who attend.
“It’s just Christmas and I love everything about it,” Austin Poupore said. “Spending time with family, and I just love parades too.”
But what is it about this parade that makes it a truly one-of-a-kind event?
“The lights, Santa, the kids, people,” Margie Braun said.
If you ask the kids: “I like at the end when Santa comes through,” Taylor Bowers said.
Not only is the parade itself fun, but for many it serves as the kickoff to the holiday season.
“I love that Santa gives me presents and he fills our boot thingies with lots of yummy treats,” Brantlee Poupore said.
But make no mistake: it’s an event people of all ages can enjoy.
“It’s like, the biggest one in the Midwest? So it’s always really neat to see all the bands come down,” Shawn McDonald said. “They always perform really well and then all the hot air balloon fire at the end. That’s really cool too.”
Whether people are there with their family, or for their family, it’s fun no matter what.
“My kids marched in it years ago,” Terri Leister said. “You have to come experience it to see it.”
And what about those in parade? Some are first timers, who say the reputation and popularity made it a can’t miss.
“I heard that there’s a lot of people and that folks come out, they reserve their spots, they get here early and that as you’re looking both sides and making your way down the parade, there’s gonna be seas and seas of people,” Matt Selvig said.
That’s a sentiment the returnees say is absolutely true.
“Back in 1990 something,” Brittney Nguyen said. “I’m just looking forward to seeing a whole new group of smiling faces.”
So it’s clear: regardless of who you are, the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade will continue to be a favorite for years to come.
“Coming out on a beautiful night, it brings everybody together and it just kind of forms that togetherness. And hey — why not come out for a great parade?”