|
 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] |
