Okay, tomorrow is Thanksgiving and that can only mean one thing: The next day (Friday) is the 138th Annual Santa Claus Parade in downtown Peoria!
And today is a special day because we’re going to get a preview of this upcoming historical holiday parade!
This is the top secret location where many of the festive floats that will be parading around downtown Peoria this Friday are housed. I can’t give the location because if I do, elves will put me on a forever shelf somewhere in the North Pole.
Let’s just go inside before I get into trouble here!
There’s our tour guide, Paul Kluber! Paul and his wife Linda have been faithful volunteers for the annual Santa Parade for years now. Paul said they are currently looking for new volunteers for the upcoming years and if you’d be interested in volunteering for this annual festive event, just call this number: 309-691-3553.
Okay, let’s take a look around in here!
Here’s Santa’s Workshop and as you can see, Caterpillar is one of the sponsors for the parade. Other sponsors include: Discover Peoria, Busey and Choose Greater Peoria.
All of these floats were designed and made right here in Peoria adding to the historical value of this parade. The parade is the longest running parade in the country and this year marks the 138th anniversary!
Here’s a tribute to Dr. Seuss and Whoville. Merry Grinchmas, everybody!
All aboard the Santa Express!
Here’s a Walt Disney themed float with a comfy pink interior.
Here’s a tribute to the classic movie, A Christmas Story.
The Flintstones are represented in this Bedrock Bronto Burger Drive-In float. Local artist Joe McGuire did the drawings on this one. Yabba dabba dooI
There’s even more floats housed in this other warehouse!
These have all been used in parades in the past and you can check them out again this Friday!
The Simpsons will even be making an appearance in the parade! Here’s Bart helping out with Thanksgiving dinner.
The 138th Annual Santa Claus Parade happens this Friday, starting at 9:15AM in downtown Peoria. You can read all about it and check out the details by clicking on this link.
Hope you can make the parade which kicks off our festive season right here in Peoria! Ho, ho and ho!
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