MONROE — In a sure sign that the holidays are here, Main Street is accepting applicants for its annual Lighted Christmas Parade. The parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. The route will meander through the historic downtown district, including the downtown square, and will be open to all individuals, businesses, and organizations. It is free to participate in and to attend.
The parade starts at the middle school, passes Turner Hall, up 17th Avenue (east side of the square), across 9th Street (north side of the square), down 16th Avenue, and finishes at the middle school.
Sponsored by Chelsea White Country Financial Insurance Agent for the third year in a row, Main Street is hoping to further attract community groups and businesses. It is also encouraging anyone participating to make sure their float is lighted and has music, whenever possible.
Main Street Monroe’s executive director, Jordan Nordby, emphasized how important events like these are for everyone during the holidays, especially young families.
“We’re always working to capture as much of that Christmas magic as possible, especially for young children,” Nordby said.
As in previous years, the Monroe Noon Optimists invite everyone to Wisconsin Bank & Trust (1717 10th Street) immediately after the parade. This year, Kris Hartwig is coordinating the activities for the Optimists. The bank will be transformed into Santa’s headquarters for the evening. All children attending will receive a treat and a craft kit to take home and will have an opportunity to put a letter in Santa’s official mailbox. No headquarters would be complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be greeting everyone at the bank after immediately participating in the parade.
The Middle School Junior Optimists will also be helping with the event with all costs covered by the Monroe Noon Optimists.
First introduced in 2021, Main Street Monroe will again have the inner south side of the square closed during and following the parade for an outdoor winter market area, which will include multiple fire pits. Outdoor vendors, including those serving hot chocolate, will be set up in the area until 8 p.m. along with carolers. Carolers include the New Glarus Madrigal Group and Monroe High School choir.
The outer west and east sides of the square will be closed during the parade so attendees will have an unobstructed view of the parade. Hot air balloons will once again be a part of the parade in a twist to add light and provide a bit of extra heat during the event.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade should contact Nordby at 608-328-4023 or by email (monroemainstreet@tds.net) to get an entry form. Generators are being made available from Precision Drive Control, Inc. for any participant that needs electricity.
More information is available by contacting Nordby or Hartwig or by visiting mainstreetmonroe.org.
