Hammond Heralded in the Holidays with a Cheery Cavalcade

Photos from the Hammond Holiday Parade can be seen here!

Being out in the cold was a small price to pay when it comes to holiday festivities. And in the City of Hammond, Saturday held a special outdoor activity that people looked forward to all year long. It was the annual Holiday Parade, and spectators lined the streets in downtown Hammond to be part of the merriment.

This yearly tradition marches float after festive float through the streets of Hammond, celebrating local businesses, schools, clubs, and other organizations that call the city home. 

"This is a great tradition and it gets bigger and bigger every year," Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. said. "Regardless of the weather we host it. It's a fun time and we love to have all the people come out to see it."

Holiday flora and fauna could be seen on all of the floats that were part of the procession.  You name it, this parade had it. Mayor McDermott was at the front of the parade, shouting out holiday greetings to all and tossing candy to the kids that happily skittered to pick up their prizes, and Santa himself brought up the rear, saving the best of holiday symbols for last. In the middle it was a show of twinkling lights, holly, snow, ornaments, and more that adorned trucks, tractors, and even people. 

Purdue Calumet was part of the parade with many students sitting atop floats and walking along side them. They all donned festive Santa hats and waved to the patrons.

"We have a ton of Purdue Cal athletes out today," Rick Costello, Purdue University Calumet Athletic Director said. "We love the parade and love to be part of it."

 The parade was a shining success. All who attended left happy and ready for the holidays!

If you are looking for more things to do and see in Hammond, why not come and see the "A Fabulous 50's Christmas" at Hammond's Towle Theatre on December 11. This will be a a special fundraising performance to raise money for the School City of Hammond. There's also the Orak Shrine Circus that is taking place throughout the month of December at the Hammond Civic Center.

~* Happy Holidays to you and yours from NWIndianaLife! *~