Joe and Amy Kramer Named Grand Marshals of the 2026 Wayland Christmas Parade
WAYLAND, MI – The Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce 
of the Wayland Christmas Parade. This year’s parade will take place Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with the theme “A Snowglobe Christmas.”
Married for 45 years and residents of Wayland for the same amount of time, Joe and Amy have dedicated decades to serving their family, supporting local organizations, and making a positive difference in the community they call home. Their commitment to Wayland spans generations, and their contributions have touched countless individuals, families, and organizations throughout the area.
Joe is a 1976 graduate of Wayland Union Schools. After leaving the area for college, he returned in 1981 and has spent more than four decades giving back to the community in countless ways.
Joe worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services for 41½ years, dedicating much of his professional life to helping others during some of their most difficult moments. Although retired from his EMT career, Joe remains involved with WAEMS, serving on its Board of Directors as one of two representatives from the City of Wayland.
His commitment to the community extends well beyond his career in emergency services. Joe served as a Boy Scout leader for more than 25 years, has been a high school soccer referee for 22 years, and has served on Wayland City Council for nine years, currently holding the position of Mayor Pro Tem.
His community involvement has also included serving as AYSO 609 Referee Administrator, Wayland Union Schools Band Boosters President for six years, and Boy Scout Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster. Joe also worked as a sports writer for the Penasee Globe, coached Wayland Recreation baseball and softball, refereed recreation basketball, and remains an active member and lector at St. Therese Church.
Amy has made her own lasting contributions to the community through both her career and volunteer service. She spent 44 years working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Allegan General Hospital, caring for others and making a difference in the lives of countless patients and families.
Amy supported her children’s many activities by serving as AYSO Treasurer while they played soccer, assisting with numerous Boy Scout adventures alongside Joe during his years as Scoutmaster, and serving as Band Boosters Treasurer while their children attended high school. Her behind-the-scenes dedication helped support the activities and organizations that have been an important part of so many Wayland families’ lives.
Together, Joe and Amy raised five children, all of whom are graduates of Wayland Union Schools. Three of their children currently reside in the Wayland Union Schools community as adults, and the family’s Wayland school connection continues with two grandchildren currently attending Wayland Union Schools.
And while their years of service and dedication are certainly impressive, there’s another local talent worth mentioning: rumor has it that Amy makes some of the best chocolate chip cookies around!
“Joe and Amy represent the very best of our community. Their years of service, commitment to local organizations, and dedication to helping others have made a lasting impact on Wayland. Their involvement spans generations, from raising their children here to now watching their grandchildren attend Wayland Union Schools. We are honored to recognize them as this year’s Grand Marshals and celebrate all they have contributed to our community,” said Denise Behm, Executive Director of the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber invites the community to join in honoring Joe and Amy as they lead this year’s Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5. Come out, enjoy the holiday festivities, and help us celebrate two individuals whose dedication and service have helped make Wayland a special place to call home.