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51st Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade Entry Application Deadline Approaching

The Appleton Parade Committee is proud to present the 51st Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. “We all love summer, but we’re already looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year,” said Corey Otis, Appleton Parade Committee Chairperson. “We’re excited and delighted to welcome the marching bands, vibrant displays and floats, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus back to Downtown Appleton.”

Organizations interested in participating in the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade must complete and submit an official application before October 1, 2022. Groups may apply via U.S. Mail, the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade Facebook page, the City of Appleton website (https://www.appleton.org/visitors/appleton-parades), or this link: https://forms.gle/rx1Bh4CSSutNRRsAA.

The Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade is the largest nighttime parade in the Midwest. The parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. and move east on College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street. The Downtown Appleton Christmas parade annually draws 80,000 spectators to Downtown Appleton. Additionally, a television and online audience of more than 100,000 view the parade live and during rebroadcasts on WFRV-TV Local 5 (CBS affiliate).

The Parade Committee encourages all floats and walking units to embrace this year’s theme: “Peace on Earth.” While the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade signals the beginning of the holiday season, it’s also an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate. “What the world needs now is more peace and love,” said Otis. “We hope the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade not only entertains and wows but also spreads hope and joy and promise.”

The 2022 Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade Marshal is Mary Beth Nienhaus. “Few have spread more peace and love around Appleton and the Fox Cities than Mary Beth,” said Otis. “She has lifted up so many in our community.” After a groundbreaking collegiate career, Nienhaus taught and mentored thousands of athletes, becoming the first high school LPGA Coach of the Year (1987) and earning induction into the Wisconsin State Golf Association Hall of Fame in 1994. Many know Nienhaus as the former head golf pro, owner, and operator of Winagamie Golf Course in Neenah, but she continues to make lasting, positive impacts as a philanthropist. Nienhaus’s donations and drive have improved the quality of life in Appleton by funding and supporting sports complexes, Habitat for Humanity homes, veteran housing, the “Marigold Mile,” and much, much more. (For more information about Mary Beth Nienhaus, please read Mike Woods’ profile for Spectrum 1 News: https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/green-bay/news/2022/08/22/mary-beth-nienhaus.)

Follow the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Facebook for updates on this year’s event.

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