Good Neighbor Podcast: Rochester
Bringing Together Local Businesses and Neighbors of Rochester
Good Neighbor Podcast: Rochester
EP#128 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade with Maggie Bobitz
Join us for a festive journey with Maggie Bobitz from the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce as she reveals the heart and soul behind the Rochester area hometown Christmas parade. Celebrating its 73rd year, Michigan's largest Christmas parade is more than just a spectacle; it's a beloved tradition steeped in community spirit and history. Get ready to learn about this year's route, the exciting participation of local high schools, and the star-studded presence of Oakland University's Coach Greg Kampe as Grand Marshal. Maggie's enthusiasm and commitment, honed over nearly two decades of involvement, shine through as she shares details about the event's evolution and the special Grand Marshal Gala happening on December 4th.
Feel the pulse of community collaboration as Maggie discusses how local businesses and volunteers are the driving force behind the parade's success. Discover how you can be part of this magical event, whether through sponsorship, participation, or simply cheering from the sidelines as Santa makes his anticipated appearance. This is more than just a parade; it's a cherished experience that brings joy to all ages and marks the beginning of the holiday season in Rochester. Tune in to embrace the excitement and find out how you can contribute to this unforgettable tradition.
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place where local businesses and neighbors come together. Here's your host, Lisa Swiftney.
Speaker 2:Hi everyone and welcome to episode number 128 of the Good Neighbor Podcast. Today I have with us Maggie Bobitz and she is with the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Good morning, maggie.
Speaker 3:How of Commerce? Good morning.
Speaker 2:Maggie, how are you? Good morning Lisa. I'm good. This morning Great. So we have some fun and exciting things coming up with the chamber and I just want to give you an opportunity to talk about the upcoming parade.
Speaker 3:So the Chamber of Commerce actually our Chamber Foundation hosts and executes the Rochester area hometown Christmas parade every year. The Lions Club was the first to do it early in the 1950s and about eight to ten years later the Chamber had taken it over. So we have been doing it ever since then and this will be the Christmas parade's 73rd year. It is the largest Christmas parade in the state of Michigan. The date of the parade is Sunday, december 8th. Mark that in your calendars. It starts at exactly 2 pm at the corner of Rochester and Tinkin and marches downtown to 3rd Street.
Speaker 2:That is amazing, and it's the 73rd year of the parade.
Speaker 3:Yes, the 73rd year of the parade.
Speaker 2:So we do have some fun things leading up to the parade as well.
Speaker 3:So each year the Christmas Parade Committee, which is chaired by Tim Crawford, the owner of the Crawford Insurance Group, right here in Rochester Hills, michigan, selects a Grand Marshal. And the Grand Marshal this year will be Oakland University's own Coach, greg Campy of the men's basketball team. So Coach Campy has a long history with the community. He's done so much for the community and before the parade we will honor him at the Grand Marshal Gala on Wednesday, december the 4th, at Great Oaks Country Club. The public is welcome to attend. They can purchase tickets through the chamber website or call the chamber directly.
Speaker 2:And what is that number for the chamber, the chamber's?
Speaker 3:phone number is 248-651-6700.
Speaker 2:That is great, and there are still tickets available for that.
Speaker 3:There are still tickets available.
Speaker 2:Correct. Great. Now what about? Are you looking for businesses to still sponsor the parade?
Speaker 3:So we are. As you can imagine, the chamber would not be able to execute an event of this magnitude without the generosity of our community partners. Our presenting sponsors for the parade this year are Erkstein Law Group, genesis Credit Union and Sarah Ford Buick GMC, and we'd like to thank them for stepping up and sponsoring the parade again this year, along with other companies that have stepped up and sponsored other items with the parade, and we are always looking for sponsors and volunteers. The chamber is a mighty staff of five and we have an army of volunteers that help us execute the parade.
Speaker 2:That is amazing. What about people who want to participate in the parade? How can they do that?
Speaker 3:People who would like to participate in the parade would be able to find the parade application on our chamber's website, which is rrc-micom. It's a fillable form. All they have to do is download the application and send it directly back to me.
Speaker 2:Great, and what else would you like the community to know about your upcoming parade?
Speaker 3:This is a treasured community event. We have brownies and high school bands and floats that have participated in the parade for years and it happens to be one of my favorite events. I've been the director and involved with the parade for almost 20 years. It's seeing the kids' faces lined up on the streets is so memorable and we want everybody to enjoy the parade, and Santa will be there again this year.
Speaker 2:Yay, everyone wants to see Santa.
Speaker 3:It's a great way to kick off the holiday experience. That is great.
Speaker 2:Well, Maggie, this is going to be an amazing event, once again put on by the Rochester Regional Foundation, and I really appreciate you taking time with me today and talking a little bit about the parade and what is up and coming in the next few weeks.
Speaker 3:Thank you so much, Lisa, for having me here today.
Speaker 1:Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast, rochester. To nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show, go to gnprochestercom. That's gnprochestercom, or call 248-988-9640.