Chamber Announces Annual Christmas Parade & Art Hop Details
The first full weekend of December has been set for a fun filled weekend of Christmas activities in Wayland. The fun begins on Friday, December 5th at 5:00pm which will be the start of the Wayland Main Street Annual Art Hop from 5:00pm-9:00pm.
During the Art Hop, the downtown streets will be transformed into an Art Hop celebrating with many Christmas festivities. The street will closed so guests so can walk safely from the different venues. Artists will appear in various downtown businesses showcasing or selling their art. In addition to art, there will be many family friendly activities including horse and wagon rides, warming stations, strolling carolers, musicians, an annual Christmas tree lighting, and much more. Artists are encouraged to register for an opportunity to showcase and sell their art. For additional details on Art Hop, please call 269. 525.2323, visit www.downtownwayland.com or email info@downtownwayland.com.
On Saturday, December 7th, the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Christmas Parade. Leading the parade are the 2019 Grand Marshals Lindy and Eva Anderson. The parade will begin at 11:00am at the Wayland VFW Post 7581 located at 735 S Main Street. The parade will proceed North on Main, then go West on Superior. The parade will conclude at the Wayland Fire Station, 160 W Superior. Visits with Santa will take place at the fire department after the parade. Please bring a camera for pictures with Santa. This year, the parade theme is “Christmas Wonderland” which 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 participants who decorate according to the theme (“For Profit” businesses are not eligible for cash awards but are eligible for the Best Theme Entry Plaque for “For Profit” businesses). Please note that the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce provides Santa Claus for the parade so it is requested that all other parade entries do not use another Santa in their displays. This will avoid potential confusion for the children. For parade participants, vehicle line up begins at 10:00am and walkers line up at 10:30. Parade rules can be found on the chamber website www.waylandchamber.org on the Community Events page. For additional information, please call 269.792.9246.
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 for charity. 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 collected will go towards those in need.