Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Business Journal Q1 2015 | Page 37

By: Stephanie Joy Meisner, Director of Marketing & Communication

Marie and Bill Crader were the founder of the Cheyenne
Christmas Parade in 1990, making the 2014 parade the 24th
Annual Cheyenne Christmas Parade. Now this community
tradition remains an active holiday favorite and is made possible
by Christmas Parade sponsors, volunteers and featured floats.
Each year, the Christmas Parade is led by Toys for Tots. This
year they collected 10 full large boxes which is the most they
have ever received.
Jesse Clement, from Audiomatrix is the Chairman of the
Christmas Parade Committee and volunteers his time and
expertise to making the parade possible. He stated before the
parade, “We are looking forward to providing the kids with a
safe and fun experience to kick off the holiday season. We are
always just doing it for the kids. And of course we always are
looking forward to Santa’s arrival.” The 2014 Christmas Parade
did not disappoint.
There were more than 100
floats incorporating the “Tales of
Christmas” Theme. Featured in the
parade were favorite characters
like “The Grinch”, “Eeyore”, “Frosty
the Snowman” and some floats
even featured epic scenes from
holiday movies like “A Christmas
Story.” Everyone cheered for each
float and the moment Santa Claus
appeared, attendees looked on in
admiration seeing him on his big
red sleigh.

“It was so much fun to volunteer at the Christmas Parade
and give back to the community. My children learned what
it means to be a part of keeping a community tradition alive
and also had the chance to see Santa Claus. The 2014
Christmas Parade was so much fun and the community
involvement was outstanding. Glad we could be a part
of it all,” stated Natalie Cruz, Farmers Union Insurance
Stevenson Agency.
Following the parade, Santa Claus and Mayor Rick Kaysen
conducted the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and
the youth organization, Hands and Harmony performed
Christmas carols. The parade evening was magical and
the memories created for the Cheyenne community are
timeless. Special thank you again to all of the sponsors,
those who supported the parade with a poinsettia purchase,
to all of the volunteers and the parade participants. Because
of you, the Christmas Parade was an enchanting evening.

Q1 2015 BUSINESS JOURNAL

l PG 37