It’s time again for the Cambridge-Dorchester County Christmas Parade, which kicks off on Saturday, December 2 beginning at 5 p.m. Pre-parade entertainment will begin at 4:15 p.m. at the reviewing stand located in front of Craig’s Drugstore.
This year commemorates the 69th presentation of the annual parade, which has been in full swing since 1946. The parade this year is themed “Peace on Earth.” For spectators, the parade can be viewed from High, Poplar and Race streets, in downtown, historic Cambridge. Most now recognize the parade as the official kick-off for the holiday season with a procession of holiday lights, music, marching bands, equestrian units and decorative floats. The parade attracts thousands to the streets of downtown Cambridge, all who bustle to see and enjoy the festivities.
“Our event is one of few that I am aware of that is 100% volunteer organized and funded completely by private donors,” comments Bruce McWilliams, Parade Chairman. “Our committee is honored to, once again, have the ability to bring this surge of excitement to our visitors and citizens and it’s all thanks to the people and businesses that support us every year. Without the support of our donors, the parade would cease to exist.”
Bruce adds, “I would be remiss not to mention my gratitude to my parade committee that ensures the parade lives on, including my wife, Amanda, and our Treasurer, Margaret Henry, who are the be-all and do-all of everything Christmas Parade, and husband and wife team, Frank and Linda Horseman. These individuals are the driving force of the event; I am just the pretty face and the voice of the event. Most are surprised to learn how few of us are involved in putting on such a large production.”
This year, the parade will host Bobby Reed, a local musician and artist, to provide pre-event entertainment and music. Bobby is known to draw crowds at many local events. Bobby performs often for benefits in the Mid-Shore area for a variety of causes. In addition to the live music and the main event of the Parade, the Bushel Basket Tree, sponsored by Cambridge Main Street, will return for the 2017 season and will be lit just moments prior to the official sounding of the whistle to begin the parade. The tree is made possible thanks to Craig’s Drug Store, which donates the space in their parking lot for the tree and also donates space for the parade’s reviewing stand. The tree is a newer tradition in comparison to the parade, but since its beginning, it has gone viral.
The parade committee is currently seeking sponsorships in the way of donations to ensure the tradition continues. Sponsorship forms are available online at www.christmasparade.org. For questions or additional information, contact Bruce McWilliams, Parade Chairman, at 443-521-1671 or by email at cdccp@yahoo.com. Entries and sponsorship donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1083, Cambridge, Maryland 21613.