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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — This year’s Parade of Lights in Champaign is kicking off Small Business Saturday.
On Nov. 30, the 24th Annual Parade of Lights presented by Christie Clinic will take place in Downtown Champaign. This community tradition invites people to celebrate the holidays while also supporting local businesses.
The theme of this year’s parade is Candy Cane Lane, and the event will begin at 6 p.m. The parade will include floats, performances and visits from holiday characters. The event highlights the importance of shopping local during the holidays, emphasizing the role small businesses play in creating a thriving community.
This year’s parade has been made possible through the support of many sponsors, including:
- Christie Clinic, the presenting sponsor
- Busey Bank, for assisting with Candy Cane Lane on Taylor St.
- Ion Grove Café, for illuminating the Tree of Lights
- A&R Services, for assisting the event
- SJ Broadcasting, for bringing Mr. Claus to Big Grove Tavern on Parade Day
- Hickory Point Bank, for sponsoring Visits with Santa at The Virginia Theatre on Dec. 3, 10 and 17
- Royse and Brinkmeyer, for horse and carriage rides courtesy of Merrybeth Farms Carriage Services
- Live Action Games, for providing the Gingerbread Man at Candy Cane Lane
Other additional sponsors who have assisted with contributions include: City of Champaign, CU Midwest Designs, Carpenters Local Union 243, Commerce Bank, Feldkamp’s Towing, MTD, Ohana Pools Spas and Billiards, UA Local 149, One Main Management, The Strategic Peak, Suzu’s Bakery, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, United Rental and University YMCA.
Starting this year, the Champaign Center Partnership is launching the Passport of Presents. It’s a new promotion that encourages community members to shop local throughout the holiday season.
To participate in the promotion, people can:
- Pick up Passport during the Parade of Lights at the Gingerbread Man booth on Candy Cane Lane or at participating businesses
- Spend at least $20 at participating businesses from Nov. 30 through Jan. 8 to earn stamps
- Collect five stamps and return Passport to the Champaign Center Partnership office by Jan. 8 to be entered into a raffle for a prize valued at over $500
“Champaign is the town I grew up in, and it holds a special place in my heart,” said Jenna Manolakes, Executive Director of Champaign Center Partnership. “By shopping local, we’re not just supporting businesses—we’re keeping our hometown alive and growing. It’s important to me that my daughter can experience the magic of this community the same way I did growing up. When you shop local, you’re investing in the vibrancy and future of Champaign.”
For more information on the Parade of Lights or the Passport of Presents, visit champaigncenter.com or contact Jenna Manolakes at director@champaigncenter.com.