Appleton Christmas Parade kicks off vacation season with spirit & enjoyable for the entire household

APPLETON (WLUK) — A longstanding vacation custom happened in downtown Appleton Tuesday night time: the 54th annual Christmas parade.

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“I actually used to come here when I was in high school and I was in the band, so we marched, and I haven’t been back since,” mentioned Shayna Tasch of Stockbridge. “It’s a fun tradition, so I’m coming back to take my kids to see it.”

“This [is] my 15th year, so we do it every year,” mentioned Andrew Schmidt, the band director for Weyauwega-Fremont High School.

Officials anticipated about 80,000 guests, although the precise quantity could have been decrease because of the rain. Around 85 floats took half, together with 25 marching bands.

“I remember the fire things that went up, and I remember the marching bands and the music. That was fun,” mentioned Delilah Davis of Stockbridge.

“All I have to do is just march, and as long as you just have fun, that’s it,” mentioned Emilee Falke, a Weyauwega-Fremont High School baritone participant.

The favourite floats, after all, have been Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a few native celebrities, like FOX 11’s Good Day Wisconsin crew.

And sure, “the fire things that went up” have been additionally there — the Fox Valley ballooning.

The largest nighttime Christmas parade within the Midwest had delicate, however wet climate.

“We’re from Wisconsin. We know weather,” mentioned Heather Neta, who was within the St. Vincent de Paul float. “One morning, you wake up and it’s sunny. By the time you go to bed, it’s snowing. We go to Packers games, so we understand.”

“I think just knowing it’s a big tradition in the Fox Cities, it’s a lot of fun to be here and enjoy the time with the community,” mentioned Schmidt.