KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Christmas holiday season officially arrives in Kalamazoo this weekend with the big annual parade along the usual route downtown.
Now known as the Maple Hill Holiday Parade because of its sponsorship, the annual event will bring back the bands, the big balloons, the floats, and Santa’s first stop in town this season.
The parade has been a tradition for over six decades in Kalamazoo.
The route begins on Lovell Street, turns on Park Street, passes Bronson Park, heads down Michigan Avenue to Pitcher Street, and then back to Lovell.
Organizers say the easiest parking will be in a ramp. There are ramps on South Street (The Epic Ramp) and on Portage Street (Kalamazoo Ramp). The Radisson Hotel also has a ramp on Rose Street.
The parade typically features about 100 units and is about 90 minutes long. The parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
