$15.00
Over the years parade themes have included: “Home for the Holidays”, “A Celebration of Holiday Traditions”, “Holiday Songbook”, “Winter Wonderland”, “Holiday Extravaganza”, and “Santa’s Workshop”. One year actress Eva Saint Marie, a BGSU alum, served as an Honorary Marshall. And each year since 2000 the parade has had more than 120 units participating.
Another Bowling Green tradition that began with the first parade is a community Tree Lighting ceremony held the Friday night before the parade. The large tree to be decorated is on the front lawn of the Wood County District Public Library in the 2nd block of N. Main St. The original tree succumbed to the draught of 1988, but a new tree was purchased and the event continues each year.
Gordon has enjoyed being part of the events through the years, “The Parade and the Tree Lighting are the traditions that make a community special, and the things that children will remember long after they grow up and perhaps move on. Traditions are part of the culture and love of a community-something to look back on, and something to look forward to!”
The 2007 parade theme of "Holiday Reflections: Past and Present" was chosen in recognition of the city of Bowling Green's 175th Anniversary Celebration which gets under way early in 2008 and continues with events planned throughout the year. The 2007 parade was recorded for a TV broadcast, a DVD edition and an online presentation. See bgfile.com/holidayparade for more information.