Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade moves to Saturday

The Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade, a Black Friday tradition for years in the city, moves to Saturday this year.

 

The parade begins Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at 5th and Market Streets and will proceed along Market Street for a brief stop at the 10th Street grandstand.  The parade ends at 11th and Market.  This year’s parade will take place Saturday to coincide with “Small Business Saturday,” and to allow parade-goers to take part in the debut of the Holiday Light Extravaganza at The Grand Opera House, which takes place at 6:00 p.m. 

“The Wilmington Jaycees are excited about bringing people downtown on Saturday for this year’s parade,” Parade Director Mark Oller said.  “We will have many great attractions for kids of all ages and are pleased to recognize Dana Herbert for his achievements.”  Dana Herbert, the winner of TLC’s “Next Great Baker” reality show, is the special guest at the parade. 

The event also features local marching bands, two string bands from Philadelphia, local police and fire / rescue squads, TV and movie characters, three large helium balloons, dance groups, and Santa Claus.  Santa and his helpers will collect letters from children along the parade route.