Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade – Hillary Heeren
On Saturday November nineteenth I was invited to be a part of the Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade. For a mid-November day I was surprised to have very pleasant weather. While walking around before the parade I met many Michigan Apple Fans including Grand Rapids Mayor Heartwell. I had the honor of presenting Mayor Heartwell with a Michigan Apple pin. I appreciated the effort Mayor Heartwell placed into wearing the Michigan Apple pin.
The Grand Rapids parade had several balloons and many different and interesting floats. There were three balloons: a magic dragon, an elephant, and the rainbow fish. One of the floats promoted “It’s a Michigan Thing” which showcased many different things from Michigan. There was also a McDonald’s Ford Mustang which had their fruit and maple oatmeal with a picture of Michigan Apples because McDonald’s uses Michigan Apples in their oatmeal.
I was amazed by how many people came out to view the parade but it was not surprising since it was so warm for a November day! As always there were many Michigan Apple fans within the crowd as evidenced by the many “yay Michigan apples!” and “I love Michigan apples!” I heard. I am very thankful to have been a part of this wonderful parade, to have met Santa Claus, and to have talked with many Michigan Apple fans!
I have had an amazing year attending and visiting different events and places all over the state. I loved the opportunity of meeting many Michigan Apple fans from Michigan, other United States, as well as from other countries! I would like to thank all the Michigan Apple growers, packers, shippers, farmer’s markets, and cider mills who supported my journey this year. I would also like to thank the Michigan Apple Committee for all their help in setting up visits and for posting my blogs. This year was a terrific opportunity and I enjoyed every minute of it. I know the lovely ladies who are soon to be crowned at the Michigan Apple Queen pageant in a couple weeks will have as much fun as I did. Thank you all, God bless, and keep growing strong Michigan Apples!
