Winter Wonderland Parade
Come showcase your business, organization, or group for holiday spectators while interacting with members of the community during this holiday tradition. Best of all there is no entry fee for the parade. Participation is 100% free of charge to groups, businesses, organizations, or individuals who register no later than ONE WEEK before that year’s parade date.
The parade route is located on Broadway St starting at 10th St and turning down Sycamore St to the Pekin Park Pavilion.
By entering the parade, you will be competing for a $100 cash prize. The winner will be chosen by our Grand Marshall.
To submit your entry, please complete the form below.
Winter Wonderland Parade FAQ’s
Is it really FREE to submit an entry into the Winter Wonderland Parade?
Yes, we strive to make participation in the annual parade as accessible as possible for entrants.
Why kind of organizations may enter the parade?
The Winter Wonderland Parade is open to all organizations and individuals. Past entrants have included local governmental entities (such as police and fire departments), musical & dance groups, animal rescue shelters, churches, cosplay organizations, car and truck clubs, local media stations, riding clubs, and more.
Does my group have to have a parade float?
Parade entries are not strictly limited to traditional floats. In the past we’ve had groups of walkers, horseback riders, decorated vehicles, and even special themed automobiles.
How long is the parade route?
Our parade route is fairly compact– only .7 miles in distance!
Are there any restrictions on how I have to decorate my entry?
Aside from adhering to standards of common decency (no profanity or vulgar displays), we remind participants that there is only one Santa Claus and therefore entrants should refrain from including anyone dressed as Santa in their entry.
Past Grand Marshalls
2024 – WWII Veterans: Carl J Harris, Walter McCabe, Raymond A Bianchi, George Sipka, & Charles Dietrich
2023 – Rob Hancock
2022 – Baylee Gambetti
2021 – Healthcare Workers Salute
2020 – Canceled due to COVID Pandemic
2019 – Canceled due to snow storm
2018 – Suzanne Cook
2017 – Tom Elliott
2016 – Pekin Area First Responders
2015 – Pekin Women of the Moose Lodge 673
2014 – Altrusa Club
2013 – Gordon Snow Family
2012 – Corrie Salmon
2011 – Connie Moser
2010 – Bob & Michelle Small
2009 – Rich & Cherie Lee
2008 – Jennifer Heath, Traci Peters, Kari Sturch, Kelly Galyean, & the students of Washington & Wilson Schools
2007 – Bob & Lois Ziebold
2006 – Curtis Jenks
2005 – Chuck Taylor
2004 – Jim Bernie
2003 – John Kriegspiel
2002 – Jim & Vera Willinger
2001 – Linda Miller
2000 – Bill & Lori Maddox
1999 – Willard Birdlime
1998 – Terri Abetting
1997 – Jerry Aube Family