Lincoln Christmas Parade “Let it Snow!” Thursday evening:
Dennis Reves named Grand Marshal
Route and change of Santa visit location

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[December 06, 2017]   LINCOLN - This year's Christmas Parade “Let it Snow!” in downtown Lincoln will step off at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening with Dennis Reves as Grand Marshal.

For the first time, the Logan County Tourism Bureau has been put in charge of the parade. After the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce announced it would be temporarily closing from November 15th to December 15th, Mayor Seth Goodman approached the Tourism Bureau and asked them to take charge of the parade this year.

Parade route

Tourism Bureau Director Cris Wibben said that the parade route had been changed this year by the Chamber, and Tourism was going to stick with that change.

The 70-plus parade entries will line up on Wyatt Avenue as usual.

The parade will leave Wyatt Avenue, turning right or north onto Kickapoo Street. It will proceed to the intersection of Kickapoo and Pulaski Street where it will turn right. At the intersection of Pulaski and McLean Streets the course will then turn left, traveling past the Farm Bureau Building, Lincoln Art Institute, and the Lincoln Post Office. At Broadway Street, the parade with turn left again and proceed to Kickapoo Street once again. At Kickapoo Street, the route will once again turn north or right and proceed to Pekin Street, where the parade will disband.

Santa location change

Santa will then be delivered to the Lincoln Public Library Annex where he will spend time visiting with area children. There will also be treats offered at the library with that effort being headed up by Lincoln’s newest business, “Small Town Creations.”

Wibben said that Library Director Richard Sumrall had been very gracious and was happy to provide a location for Santa. The location was chosen not only for convenience for Santa, but also because it is handicap accessible, has restrooms available, and it is a very kid friendly location.

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Parade prizes

During the parade, judges will be located on Broadway Street in the auction vehicle provided by Mike Maske Auction Service. Entries will be judged and winners will be announced following the parade.

Grand Marshal

The Tourism Board asked for nominations from the public to help narrow down the options. The board then voted on their choice based on information provided by those making the nominations.

The Tourism Bureau issued the following statement regarding the selection:

The 2017 Downtown Lincoln Christmas Parade Grand Marshal is Dennis Reves. Dennis has served Logan County as the Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor for several years and retired last month. He was nominated for his “behind the scenes” work at the courthouse, parks, and community events. He was described as knowledgeable, welcoming, and humble. We wish him the best in retirement!

Logan County Tourism Board & Staff

The “Let it Snow!” theme for this year may be quite fitting as temperatures are expected to be in the low thirties with chances of flurries possible. Snow or not, it is sure to be a great parade. So bundle up and be sure to come out for this exuberant annual Lincoln tradition. It is sure to add cheer to your holidays.

[Nila Smith]

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