The 50th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade Returns November 23
APPLETON, Wis. — After a one-year hiatus, the Appleton Parade Committee is proud to present the 50th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. “Santa Claus is coming back to College Avenue,” said Corey Otis, Appleton Parade Committee Chairperson. “We’re thrilled the jolly old elf, marching bands, and bright, beautiful floats will return to Downtown Appleton.”
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 audience of over 100,000 view the parade live and during rebroadcasts (11:00 a.m. Nov. 27; 11:30 am. Dec. 25) on CBS 5, WFRV-TV.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Superhero Christmas!” From webslingers to first responders, caped crusaders to frontline workers, area kids and adults are inspired by the courage and sacrifice they see on the page, on the screen, and in our community.
The 2021 Parade Marshal is Erin Davisson, longtime anchor at WFRV-TV. She is best known for her tireless work as a journalist, fierce advocacy for organ donation, and joyful commentary during broadcasts of Appleton parades. “I’m only alive today because of the superheroes who believed in organ donation and saved my life,” Davisson said. She retired in 2020 after 37 years in broadcasting, including 32 at Channel 5 in Green Bay, and in August, Davisson received the Local Broadcast Legend Award from the Wisconsin Broadcast Association.
Other notable entries in the 50th Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade include:
- Nearly two dozen marching bands, including local high schools and the City of Appleton Marching Band
- Floats honoring hometown heroes from healthcare, law enforcement, military, and more!
- Tributes to longtime parade committee member Harvey Samson and bicycle enthusiast Jim Van Asten, who rode a wooden bicycle in Appleton parades for decades
- Several fan favorites return, including Winnegamie Dog Club, Fox Valley Ballooning, and more!
- And two very special guests from the North Pole
Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to College Avenue, as St. Joe’s Food Pantry will collect cans before the parade. Also, spectators are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19: please wear a mask, physically distance from others, and stay home if you are feeling ill. Finally, people may place chairs and blankets along the parade route any time after noon on Tuesday, November 23, but only if they remain with these items.
Follow the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade on Facebook for news and updates on this year’s event. The event is organized by the Appleton Parade Committee, a group of dedicated community volunteers.
