Our History
40+ years ago the late Thad Harding lamented over the fact that there had not been a Christmas Parade in Battle Creek for nearly 30 years. Thad decided that this year would be the first of a new Christmas tradition in Battle Creek. Unsure exactly how achieve his goal he approached his fellow Harper Creek Optimist Club members and asked for their help. From this modest parade (with 16 entries) the Battle Creek Christmas Parade has grown in to one of the largest Christmas parades between Chicago and Detroit. Each year it has grown and the parade averages 80-100 entries each year.
Unlike many of the "commercial" parades in Michigan during the holiday season that charges entry fees and enlists minor and major sponsors, the Battle Creek Christmas Parade is hosted solely by the Harper Creek Optimist Club. Our parade is a true community parade, put on by the community and for the community.
Harper Creek Optimist Club
Christmas Parade Committee
Jim Demarest
Former Co-Chairman &
Parade Logistics Coordinator
25+ Years of Parade Dedication
until his untimely passing in December 2020.
Duncan Bailey
Co-Chairman
Set-Up Coordinator
40+ Years of Parade Dedication
until his untimely passing in 2022.
John Sims, Sr.
Co-Chairman
Entry Point Coordinator
40+ Years
Dr. Gary Gymer
Co-Chairman
Line-Up Coordinator
40+ Years
Terry Eisen
Co-Chairman
Assistant Parade Coordinator
10+ Years
Stephanie & Zack Cornish
Co-Chairs
Parade Logistics Coordinators
Stephanie - 15+ Years of
Parade Volunteering
Zack - 5+ Years of
Parade Volunteering
Stephanie & Zack are happy to be continuing the Parade Coordination with the entire Parade Committee, that Stephanie's father, Jim, was involved in for many years.
Mike Olsen
Harper Creek
Optimist Club President
In Memory of....
Prior Christmas Parade Committee Members