“We ended up only losing one for this year’s parade. With the help of a huge group of dedicated and passionate volunteers we were able to repair 16 floats,” Pack said Tuesday. “All 16 will be ready for the parade … as we only have a few minor fixes left to complete.”
The parade and holiday tree lighting downtown will be at 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 29, the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Partnership President Sandy Gudorf said the community spirit that drives the celebration also drew plenty of volunteer individuals and organizations that wanted to help with the repair project.
“Our goal was to try to have 10 of the 17 ready,” Gudorf said. “We have 16 of the 17 ready to go and they look beautiful. It is because of the support of the community that we were able to raise the necessary funds to rebuild the floats.”
Pack said the vandals who did the damage haven’t been caught. “There weren’t any cameras in the old building where they were originally stored. We have moved them since, and will be keeping a much closer eye on them in the future,” Pack said. “It has been a really great experience watching this community come together to help save this beloved tradition.”
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“It was just incredible and the energy was so positive,” Gudorf said. “We are definitely going to be ready to go and the floats are just going to look spectacular. This community always steps up when there’s a need.”
Gudorf said many of the volunteers shared stories of past parades while they pitched in and made a point to say, “we are not going to disappoint the children.
“This community has been through a heck of a a lot this year,” Gudorf said. “We had volunteers who took time away from rebuilding their homes from this spring’s tornadoes.”
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The holiday festival was started in 1972 by local philanthropist Virginia Kettering to ensure that children from all economic backgrounds had a fun way to usher in the holiday season.
The nighttime parade occurs after the traditional tree lighting on Courthouse Square and features more than 100,000 sparkling lights.
“It’s going to be a very special night,” Gudorf said.
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