Apple Shots #10: The 2004 Christmas Parade of Appleton, Wisconsin
A Christmas parade? Are we out of our freezing minds? No, it's a sane and wonderful part of Appleton's hardy tradition of making the most of winter and always having a reason for a great parade. Appleton's annual Christmas Parade is often said to be the largest or longest Christmas Parade in the nation (or perhaps the coldest?). It is held a few weeks before Christmas, mercifully, but it's still usually at a time too cold for ordinary people to want to attend a parade. But Appletonians are an extraordinary breed, and we love our cold parade. In 2004, it was held the evening of November 23. College Avenue was packed with thousands of people (an estimated 50,000 people!) and parking was a real pain, but the parade was marvelous. Below are a few photos I took, some of which turned out OK in spite of the darkness. These are all copyright 2004 by Jeff Lindsay. Also see the 2005 Christmas Parade Photos (Apple Shots #10B) and a separate gallery from the 2005 Christmas Parade. See my gallery of the 2005 Appleton Christmas Parade.
This is one of many Apple Shots pages: down on the left are links to others such as Apple Shots #1, Apple Shots #9, or Apple Shots #11.
One of my favorite photos of the night. Kudos to this man who successfully converted a motor vehicle into a delightful train.
The roaring flames from this float by balloonists was a highlight of the parade for many of us.
There are times when you don't want to be a cameraman suspended over a Christmas Parade. (Fortunately, the flames were turned off at key points along the route.)
Do you believe in angels? I am not sure which local church put on this exhibit (let me know if you do), but I enjoyed it.
The people from Fox11 TV pose in front of the NBC office - are they trying to say something?
One of my favorite floats.
Thousands of people line the streets to watch the Christmas parade.
A local school celebrates the Chinese New Year. Ah, that's the politically correct way to celebrate the sacred holiday of Christmas.
Drummers from a high school band. (I think this was New London Senior High.)
Mayor Timothy Hanna enjoys the parade. I had the privilege of chatting with him for a while. He's a real credit to our community, in my opinion. We talked about what a great place Appleton is. We both feel that there is no better community anywhere than Appleton, Wisconsin.
Many of us were hoping for a little global warming during the parade, although that's probably not what this exhibit was about.
A clown - I think this was part of the Chinese New Year exhibit from a school.
Participation in a long, cold parade is one of the many benefits of being in a school band. Actually, when the temperature is tolerable (it was tonight), it might be pretty fun.
One of the last floats in the parade.
After the parade...
Appleton's highly respected Mayor Timothy Hanna sits with local TV personalities after the parade to be interviewed.
College Avenue is gradually clearing now. . .
Two girls demonstrate how to stay warm with blankets while watching the parade.
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Creation date: Nov. 24, 2004.
Last updated: Aug. 4, 2010.
All photos are copyright ©Jeff Lindsay, 2003-2010, and are the property of Planet Lindsay, LLC. Please request permission before using photos for any purpose.