KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The chilly day didn’t stop spectators from heading downtown Saturday morning for the annual Maple Hill Kalamazoo Holiday Parade.
There were over 90 organizations in the parade this year with floats, marching bands, cold air balloons, and plenty of candy thrown out for the kids to enjoy.
The parade kicked off at the Bronson Healthcare parking lot just as the sun started shining in downtown Kalamazoo and then marched down its normal loop from Lovell to Park, to Michigan, to Pitcher, and back onto Lovell.
The Loy Norrix High School’s PeaceJam group pushed grocery carts and shook milk jugs as they walked along the parade route, collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.
Those still looking to donate to keep pantry shelves stocked this holiday season can do so here.
It was also the first parade as Kalamazoo’s Mayor for David Anderson. Dressed in his black top hat he walked along with city commissioners waving to the crowd.
And of course the parade isn’t complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus in their horse and carriage waving to the many children eager to see them.
There were plenty of things to do downtown once the parade ended as well with live reindeer, music at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and other deals and activities at businesses along the Kalamazoo Mall.
Our live-stream broadcast of the parade can be found on our Facebook page.
