2026 Rekindle the Spirit Holiday Parade
Event Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
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Date and Time
Wednesday Nov 25, 2026
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM CST
📅WEDNESDAY | NOVEMBER 25TH | 5:45 PM PARADE BEGINS
🎄 PARADE CHECK-IN & ARRIVAL INFORMATION
All decorated entrants and floats must be checked in no later than 5:00 PM with Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce staff.
📍 Entrant Check-In Location:
YMCA Parking Lot
Please enter the staging/check-in area from the Riverview Expressway / Subway entrance.
🚶 WALKER DROP-OFF & ASSEMBLY
All entrants with walkers, participants, or individuals who will be walking alongside their float or vehicle should direct those individuals to the Boys & Girls Club Awning upon arrival.
If your parade entry includes walkers, please communicate the following information to everyone in your group before arriving:
All walkers should report to and remain under the Boys & Girls Club awning upon arrival. Walkers will remain there until their float or parade entry is ready to depart and they are directed to join their group.
This will help us keep the staging area organized, maintain safe spacing between entries, and ensure everyone is in the correct location before the parade begins.
🎬 ON-SITE STAGING & PARADE FLOW
To help ensure a smooth, safe, and organized evening for everyone, please take a few minutes to watch the short on-site staging video linked below before arriving. The video provides a visual overview of arrival, staging, spacing, and parade flow so you know what to expect when you arrive.
▶️ Watch the On-Site Staging Video:
https://youtu.be/mVHiKfB2fKQ
Location
📍WEST GRAND AVENUE, WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI
🎄 PARADE ROUTE
The Rekindle the Spirit Holiday Parade begins along West Grand Avenue near Wisconsin Rapids City Hall and the Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area, and travels east through downtown Wisconsin Rapids, ending at the intersection past Hotel Mead and McMillan Memorial Library.
✨ HOLIDAY RIVERFRONT LIGHTING
As part of the evening celebration, we will also light the holiday decorations along the Wisconsin River at Veterans Memorial Park, creating a beautiful riverfront backdrop as our community officially welcomes the holiday season.
🎅 SANTA & MRS. CLAUS AT HOTEL MEAD
Following the parade, families are invited to continue the celebration at Hotel Mead for a special visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, holiday activities, treats, and photo opportunities.
Fees/Admission
PARADE ENTRY FEES $35 Member | $45 Non-Member | $10 Additional Vehicle To enter or register, call 715-423-1830 or visit the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce at 1120 Lincoln St., Wisconsin Rapids. ✨ Interested in sponsoring the parade?
🚒 Fire/Rescue/Emergency Vehicles: Complimentary
Business Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
We would love to connect with local businesses and organizations interested in helping us make this cherished community tradition possible. Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable community visibility while helping bring the holiday spirit to families throughout the Wisconsin Rapids area.
📞 Contact us at 715-423-1830 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Contact Information
Lacy Alling
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Event Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
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Description
Join us on the evening before Thanksgiving for the Rekindle the Spirit Holiday Parade — a cherished Wisconsin Rapids tradition that brings together local businesses, organizations, families, and friends to kick off the holiday season in a meaningful and memorable way. ❤️
🎄 LIGHT UP THE SEASON! 🎄
As part of the celebration, we’ll also be lighting the holiday decorations along the Wisconsin River, creating a beautiful backdrop as our community officially welcomes the holiday season.
🎅 AND THEN… SANTA & MRS. CLAUS! 🎅
Following the parade, head to Hotel Mead for an evening filled with holiday magic!
📸 Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus and have those special memories captured by Heike C. O’Day Photography.
☕ Warm cocoa, generously donated by Hotel Mead, will be available while families wait to visit Santa.
🍪 And after your visit with Santa, children can enjoy a little holiday creativity with cookies and frosting decorating, generously donated by Chat-R-Box Catering!
✨ From the glow of the riverfront lights to the excitement of the parade, a visit with Santa, warm cocoa, and sweet holiday treats, Rekindle the Spirit is an evening designed to bring our community together and create memories that last long after the holidays.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your holiday spirit. ❤️
🎄 Let's Rekindle the Spirit together! 🎄
Event Sponsors
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Images
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