You are welcome to join in on the fun with fellow Gift of Life Michigan staff, volunteers, donor families, recipients, and GOLM partners in the Grand Rapids Santa Parade on 11/22.
This is a family friendly event, and your family is invited! Parade line-up will begin starting at 4pm and the parade kicks off at 5pm. The parade route is attached and will be updated here if modified from the parade organizers ahead of event.
The parade line-up is set to start downtown Grand Rapids at Division Ave. N and Michigan St. NW. The parade will continue and end behind Rosa Parks Circle. We should be done by 6:30pm. Festivities are open to the public after the event at Rosa Parks Circle for the whole family.
The parade website is attached for more information on family fun. https://grsantaparade.com/ City ramps will be available for parking, but please be aware this event draws in 10,000 people, so plan to provide ample time to find parking downtown with the road closures along the parade route. Your best holiday inspired get-ups are encouraged! If you would like to make or bring with you an already made sign/poster in honor of your donor or your loved one, please do so. We will have a GOLM parade banner to walk with and walkers will be passing out giveaways to the public along the route. Your whole family is invited - BUT please email Heather Bernard at hbernard@golm.org after registering if you will be bringing anyone but yourself for headcount.
We need to have an accurate headcount for supply purposes and to communicate to the parade organizers in advance.
A NORA organ transport vehicle will be joining us. We hope to have Chief Mascot, Hartley present for pictures at the parade.
Parade continues rain or shine, so keep an eye on the forecast and dress accordingly to be walking outside from 4-6:30pm. I will have water bottles and a small selection of packaged snacks before the parade kicks off. No food will be present while we are walking. Free hot chocolate, coffee and cookies are available in Rosa Parks Circle after the parade.
