Battle Creek’s 2019 Christmas Parade

Battle Creek’s Christmas Parade is all set for tomorrow night in the city’s downtown area.  This year’s theme is “A Postcard Christmas”. It’s the 40th anniversary of the big event staged by the Harper Creek Optimist Club. The lead unit starts off on the parade route at about 6 PM. The WBCK mobile unit is placed in the 18th slot out of the nearly 80 units in this year’s parade.

The parade has followed a standard route for years. But this year, some construction in the downtown area is throwing in a couple twists and turns. The primary route for the parade has been along Michigan Avenue. This year Jackson Street will be the primary route but starting and ending along Michigan Ave.  Near the end of the route, the parade goes by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Foundation then flips the switch on its musically timed light display at Mill Race Park.

2018 “George Award” winner, artist Kurt Thornton of Battle Creek, is this year’s parade Grand Marshal.  Thornton designed this year’s commemorative parade logo.

The parade used to be the kickoff for the former  Battle Creek International Festival of Lights  which last year turned into the Battle Creek Winter Festival of Lights. But this year there is no official event or schedule. But you can still head downtown throughout the Christmas season to enjoy light displays.

The 55th annual Marshall Christmas Parade is set for Monday, December 7th starting at 7 pm