Peoria's Santa Claus Parade is almost here. What you need to know about 136th annual event
The Peoria Santa Claus Parade is preparing for the 136th event, sticking to tradition by running on Black Friday.
According to release, four original floats are still being used and will be on display in the parade. Those floats include 3 Men in a Tub, Circus Wagon, Old Women in a Shoe and The Conestoga Wagon.
The floats have been redecorated over the years but still have the same steel wheel farm wagon base.
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Here's what you neeed to about the Peoria Santa Clause Parade.
When is the Peoria Santa Claus Parade 2023?
The 136th annual parade is scheduled to step off at 9:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24.
How to watch the Peoria Santa Claus Parade 2023
Viewers can attend the parade by lining up along Monroe, Main and Adams streets. See the parade route map below.
The parade will also be televised locally at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 24 on WMBD-TV. The telecast is sponsored by Busey Bank.
Peoria Santa Claus Parade 2023 route map
The parade will begin at the corner of Hancock and Monroe streets, heading west on Monroe Street toward Main Street. Participants will head south on Main Street toward Adams Street. The parade will continue east on Adams Street, ending at the corner of Adams and Fayette streets.
Peoria Santa Parade 2023 theme
The 2023 parade's theme is "Musical Notes and Holiday Floats".
Peoria Santa Parade 2023 grand marshal
The parade's grand marshall will be legendary Illinois Central College women's basketball and softball coach Lorene Ramsey.
Ramsey was a four-sport standout athlete at Illinois State University before playing for the Pekin Lettes fastpitch softball team. At ICC, she recorded more than 1,700 wins and won six national championships between women's basketball and softball as a coach.
Ramsey posted an 887-197 career record in women's basketball from 1969-2003. She also amassed an 840-309 mark in softball from 1970-1998.
Peoria Santa Parade 2023 floats
Santa Claus is the main attraction of this parade, but onlookers will also enjoy costumed characters, marching bands, novelty walking units and decorated floats.
According to the release, P.A.C.E. owns 22 floats that have been painted and repaired for the 2023 parade. Plus, a new Circus Wagon float will join the mix.
The department store Shipper and Block — later known as Block & Kuhl — began a 72-year commitment as sole sponsor of the Santa Claus Parade in 1889.
The parade floats were the creation of the Block & Kuhl department, built in the warehouse and pulled by teams of horses. There were 13 original floats with contests between the store's departments for the best designs and construction.
For more information about the Peoria Santa Claus Parade, visit www.peoriaevents.com.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Santa Claus Parade 2023: Peoria's 136th procession set for Black Friday
