Are We There Yet?
Nothing will get you more into the Christmas spirit than the 18th Annual Chelsea Christmas Parade on Saturday December 16. “It is a tremendous family event,” explains Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer. “It’s a symbol of small town America that is unfortunately going away in many parts of the country but remains an integral part of our town.” The festivities start at 9 a.m. with local entertainment at the parade grandstand positioned at the Winn Dixie/150 Chelsea Corners Way. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Chelsea Middle School and will include music from the Chelsea High School Band, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a showcase of students from local dance studios, area boy scouts and girl scouts, and of course professional and homemade floats with riders throwing candy to bystanders all along the route. Over 70 groups, businesses and civic organizations will participate in the parade which will conclude at the Winn Dixie where a Christmas Village will offer refreshments and other items for purchase. The parade will be followed by an open house from Noon-3pm at the Chelsea Community Center, 11101 Hwy 47, where children will have the opportunity to have their picture made with Santa and Mrs. Clause as well as the famous characters from Frozen, Anna, Elsa and Olaf. The open house will also offer face painting, bouncy houses and games.
The Annual Christmas Parade is the largest Chelsea community event of the year drawing between 2000 and 3000 people. “It gives us a chance to get our citizens together but it also gives people outside of Chelsea an opportunity to come and see what Chelsea is all about,” says Mayor Picklesimer adding that the family event fits perfectly with the city’s long-time slogan, “Chelsea is all about family.” For more details visit www.cityofchelsea.com/christmas-parade-info †
