The 2016 Theme of the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is “Holiday Masquerade
Nearly 80,000 people line the street of Downtown Rochester for the Annual Christmas Parade – Photo by Michael Dwyer
The Parade begins at the corner of Tienken and Rochester Roads and continues south along Main Street to Third Street in Downtown Rochester. Come early to find parking and a place to watch the parade. Nice weather brings out the masses. Your location along the parade route will determine the starting and ending times for you. While the parade begins at 2:00 p.m. at the north end of town, if you are positioned in Downtown Rochester, your “start time” may be closer to 2:30 p.m.
Oakland County Sheriff Equestrian Team – Photo by Michael Dwyer
Grand Marshals of the parade are Dr. Roger Byrd and his wife Mary Jo Byrd. Both will be honored at the Grand Marshal’s Celebration on December 1 at Great Oaks Country Club. Tickets were available for $35.00 and included dinner and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. While the celebration is SOLD OUT, Dr. Byrd, Mrs. Byrd, Santa and Mrs. Claus will all be highlighted in the parade, which is free to attend.
Boy Scouts carry the Big American Flag in the parade – photo by Michael Dwyer
The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan with an average 3,500 parade participants who represent a collaborative effort among families, businesses, non-profit and civic organizations, as well as schools and universities. The Parade attracts nearly 80,000 loyal spectators, community organizations, floats, units of marchers, drill teams, marching bands, clowns, equestrian groups, fire trucks and Michigan dignitaries.
Santa and Mrs. Claus always signal the end of the parade – photo by Michael Dwyer
Rochester Media and The Community Edge will be out-and-about on December 4 in Downtown Rochester for the 65th Annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. Hope to see your smiling faces.
65th Annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Route
All Photos by Michael Dwyer, taken from the 2014 & 2015 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parades. Parade Route image provided by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Watch last year’s event and find more details for this year at the chamber’s website.
About Michael Dwyer