DISCOVER DOWNTOWN: Appleton Christmas Parade
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN like never before!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the GREAT businesses located here in downtown. Get to know the owners and their products from checking out their answers to a series of fun questions! Corey Otis, parade chairman, answers all your questions about the Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade!
What is the name of your business and who is the owner(s)?
The Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade is owned by the City of Appleton - all of you!
What service(s) and/or product(s) do you offer?
We present the Midwest's largest nighttime parade, which draws approximately 80,000 spectators to College Ave. The event features bands, floats, and a special visitor from the North Pole. I guess you could call us an entertainment enterprise.
What inspired you to start your business?
It's sort of a family business... My grandfather was parade chairman, and then he passed the torch to my dad. Earlier this year, I was appointed to follow in their footsteps.
What are 3 words that describe your business?
Downtown Christmas Parade... Just kidding. I would say Joy, Wonder, and Fun.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Don't put the marching band right behind the horses.
What's something about your business nobody knows?
The committee starts meeting months before the actual event. Planning requires hundreds of emails and phone calls. By the time the parade comes, most of the work has already been done. I'm lucky to work with so many talented, dedicated volunteers.
What do you love most about being in Downtown Appleton?
There's a strong sense of community, especially at the parade. I love seeing the kids' faces when Santa arrives.
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
Time Travel: It would be so much easier to get things done.
If you could share a meal with any 3 individuals, living or dead, who would they be and why?
My wife and two red-headed stepsons... because it doesn't happen as often as it used to.
What's the weirdest food you have ever eaten?
Horse... from Japan (not from the parade)
Something else fun and unique about your business you want to share?
Santa? We know him. And yeah, you better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout; I'm telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town... on Tuesday, Nov. 26. See you there!
Learn more about Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade and plan for this year’s parade on Tuesday, November 26, check them out on Facebook! Click here.