Saline Polar Express To Arrive Dec. 3

Plans for the annual 36th Annual Holiday Parade are underway.

At Monday’s meeting, approved the use of city streets and about $4,000 in city services for the parade, which takes place at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. The annual tree lighting will take place at the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Ann Arbor Street at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2.

The theme for the 2011 Parade is “Saline Polar Express.”

At the meeting, Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Director Larry Osterling reported that fundraising is going well. He said donors have committed $3,100 to the parade, so far. Osterling said the annual holiday tradition amounts to more than a parade.

“It’s not just a parade. It’s a showcase for the community. Things go on all week long and during the week after. It generates a lot of commerce and a lot of travel, and it says a lot about us,” Osterling said. “The parade has become one of the more spectacular ones in Southeast Michigan.”

Downtown Director Art Trapp noted that the annual event engages the community.

“The number of people who have participated in the parade from 2000 to 2010 is over 18,000,” said Trapp.

And that doesn’t include the thousands who watch the annual parade.

Osterling agreed.

“Of all the events the chamber does all year long, this is a real mix of total community involvement. It’s a real opportunity to see cooperation in the community,” Osterling said. “We have thousands of volunteers.”

To participate in the parade, download this form from the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce website.