The 45th annual Wayland Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade and celebration, always held on the first Saturday in December, will step off at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at the VFW post on South Main Street.
Parade lineup will begin at 10 a.m. at the Wayland VFW Post #7581 and the procession will conclude at the Wayland Fire Department on West Superior Street. Non-profits are eligible to win a cash prize for decorating according to the parade theme (announced in October). City police parade rules are enforced and should be reviewed prior to participation.
Afterward there will be visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Fire Department. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding in al locally hand-crafted wagon by J. W. Schut Custom Hitch Wagons. Those wishing to receive a picture are encouraged to bring their camera.
This year’s theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which allows those entering the parade to decorate accordingly. It is not required to decorate to the theme, but it is required to be included in theme judging. Cash prizes are awarded for the top three non-profit participants who decorate according to the theme. For profit businesses are eligible to win the annual Christmas Parade.
It is requested that all other parade entries do not use another Santa, or Mrs. Claus, in their displays to avoid potential confusion for the children.
Leading the parade will be Grand Marshals Roger and Mary Jane Merren, longtime residents of Wayland. The Merrens are best known for their servanthood attitude and willingness to serve their community in various ways including more than 50 years on the Wayland Fire Department (Roger), former local business owner (Mary Jane).
Both are Wayland Alumni Hall of Famers, coaches for Little League and have offered dedicated service to community boards, local schools, and athletics.
Prior to the parade, the community is invited to attend the annual pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Wayland Fire Department. For a nominal charge, guests can enjoy a hot breakfast consisting of an all-you-can-eat buffet of pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee. Proceeds will benefit the Wayland Fire Department.
Wayland Boy Scout Troop 97 is encouraging parade spectators to bring non-perishable food items or gently used or new coats, gloves, scarfs, boots, and hats. There will be many Boy Scouts walking in the parade picking up these items along the route. Items can be handed to the Scouts as the walk by. All items will go toward Wayland Christian Neighbors food pantry.
For those interested in a warm beverage or snack prior to the parade, Greenridge Realty office in Wayland will be set up to serve complimentary cookies, doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate.