Wilmington Plans Its ‘First’ Downtown Christmas Parade

Marching bands, floats, classic cars and a fife-and-drum corps will travel through downtown Wilmington Sunday in what community leaders are calling “The First Christmas Parade.”

It’s called the first, said organizer Gloria Chadwick, because nobody in town seems to remember when the last one was held. “People have told me that there used to a Christmas parade,” she said. “Personally, I’ve never heard of a Christmas parade in Wilmington. . . . I’m 63 years old, and if there was one before I came along, I don’t know.”

The procession will reflect Wilmington’s ethnic flavor, with 10 mounted charros --Mexican horse riders in traditional costume--and costumed folklorico dancers.

Chadwick said there are 60 entries, and that organizers have been surprised by community interest in the event, which they hope will continue..

The parade begins at 1 p.m. at E Street and Avalon Boulevard. It will proceed on Avalon to M Street, where marchers will turn east toward Banning High School. There, floats and vintage cars will be displayed when the parade is over, said Joann Wysocki, vice president of the Wilmington Home Owners and a parade organizer. Santa Claus will also be on hand to give candy canes to children, she said.