Navajo-Hopi Observer

WINSLOW, Ariz. - The Winslow Chamber of Commerce and the city of Winslow present this year's annual Christmas parade Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Winslow's 67th annual Christmas parade will line the streets of Historic Route 66 with both Second and Third streets closed down for the parade route.

Winslow's annual Christmas parade is one of the largest in all of northern Arizona, drawing residents and guests from all around the state and up to 10,000 attendees in previous years.

"We get people that come from all over the state, year after year, they come back for this because it's just a really fun day in Winslow," said Bob Hall, CEO of the Winslow Chamber of Commerce. "There are vendors that come from all over the state because it's well worth it. There are just so many people."

Hall said the chamber appreciates the participation of businesses, clubs, organizations, churches, schools, dignitaries and more that enter floats into the parade. Many use their entry as a way to advertise or promote, while at the same time thanking the community for any support given to them in the past year.

Many parade entries are from other communities outside Winslow as well.

Hall said for some the vendors that line the streets of downtown Winslow are a highlight of the event. Second and Third Streets feature a large variety of arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, toys and holiday decorations. Plenty of food, drinks, sweets, snacks, and treats will be available as well.

"The activities go all day long. People are just walking all over," Hall said. "The parade itself may last about two and a half to three hours, but everything else keeps going on all day long."

Always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this year's Christmas parade will feature the reunion of the Santa Fe Indian Marching Band. According to Hall, 24 members of the famous marching band reunited and will be participating in the parade. A tribute band playing some of the historic marching band's music will follow their float.

Santa Claus visits from 9:30 a.m. - noon on parade day. Young children can meet with him to receive a "goodie bag" and tell him what's on their Christmas wish lists at the Winslow Visitor Center at 523 West Second Street.

Beginning in 1946, the Winslow Chamber of Commerce began sponsoring the parade as an event that kicks off the holiday season and encourages citizens to shop local and draws in guests and visitors.