December is finally here and with it comes an exciting wave of holiday cheer. On Friday, December 1, the City of Whiting decided there was no better way to start the holiday season than with its annual Illuminated Christmas Parade. People from all over the Region crowded into downtown Whiting wearing their most festive holiday gear and bright, cheerful smiles.
The weather might have been a bit frightful, but Whiting’s Illuminated Parade sure was delightful. The rain kept no one from coming out to see the colorful spectacle, especially the Whiting locals who are always eager for the parade to return each year.
“I never get tired of seeing all of the floats lit up and everyone being so animated. People come from all over the place to participate in the parade and have fun and that’s part of what makes this so cool,” said Paula Cunningham, administrative assistant to the Whiting Mayor.
There was definitely something for everyone to enjoy during this year’s parade. Dozens of beautifully designed floats paraded down 119th Street as families cheered. Snowmen, the Grinch, reindeer, teddy bears—you name it, the parade had it. There was even a neat illuminated dragon that turned its head ominously to and fro.
Cunningham has lived in Whiting her entire life and comes to the Illuminated Parade every year. She loves how the event continues to bring the community together and raise so much excitement so many years after it was started.
“Whiting is just so family-oriented. There are families like mine who have been here their entire lives putting these parades and festivals on, and then as they get older their kids’ families start coming and continuing the tradition. It’s nice to be a part of something like this,” said Cunningham.
After the parade, attendees raced over to Whiting’s Kris Kringle Market to peruse several local artisans and food vendors and listen to a Christmas carol or two. Cunningham enjoys that the parade gives people the chance to come and see for themselves what Whiting is all about.
“All of our businesses are open for people to walk and look around at which is great because people from out of town can check out what our little city has to offer. We’re all about staying local and supporting one another here and this is a great opportunity for that,” said Cunningham.
This year’s Illuminated Parade wasn’t just great for the locals, though. People came from all over to see what makes Whiting’s Christmas parade so holly and jolly. One attendee, Jan Sassic, came all the way from Oklahoma to participate in the Kris Kringle Market with her brother. She was blown away by Whiting’s celebrations.
“I love it here. This is just amazing. Between the people and the community I can’t believe it,” said Sassic.
Sassic started a small craft business with her brother called Sibling Establishments to stay connected when they’re apart. She loved that the parade gave her an excuse to visit her brother and an opportunity to serve such a tight-knit community.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to do stuff with my brother and create crafts together that we can bless other people with. We love making special things for people—things that are handmade. I’m glad we can share our work with the community tonight and be a part of something like this,” said Sassic.
Ultimately, between bringing the community together, showing off Whiting’s countless businesses, and giving people a chance to spread some holiday cheer, Whiting’s Illuminated Christmas Parade couldn’t have done a better job at putting the fa la la la la in the holiday.
To learn more about the City of Whiting and its holiday festivities, visit whitingindiana.com.