EP#128 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade with Maggie Bobitz

Join us for a festive journey with Maggie Bobitz from the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce as she reveals the heart and soul behind the Rochester area hometown Christmas parade. Celebrating its 73rd year, Michigan's largest Christmas parade is more than just a spectacle; it's a beloved tradition steeped in community spirit and history. Get ready to learn about this year's route, the exciting participation of local high schools, and the star-studded presence of Oakland University's Coach Greg Kampe as Grand Marshal. Maggie's enthusiasm and commitment, honed over nearly two decades of involvement, shine through as she shares details about the event's evolution and the special Grand Marshal Gala happening on December 4th.

Feel the pulse of community collaboration as Maggie discusses how local businesses and volunteers are the driving force behind the parade's success. Discover how you can be part of this magical event, whether through sponsorship, participation, or simply cheering from the sidelines as Santa makes his anticipated appearance. This is more than just a parade; it's a cherished experience that brings joy to all ages and marks the beginning of the holiday season in Rochester. Tune in to embrace the excitement and find out how you can contribute to this unforgettable tradition.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Lisa Swiftney.

Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hi everyone and welcome to episode number 128 of
the Good Neighbor Podcast.
Today I have with us MaggieBobitz and she is with the
Rochester Regional Chamber ofCommerce.
Good morning, maggie.

Speaker 3 (00:26):
How of Commerce?
Good morning.

Speaker 2 (00:31):
Maggie, how are you?
Good morning Lisa.
I'm good.
This morning Great.
So we have some fun andexciting things coming up with
the chamber and I just want togive you an opportunity to talk
about the upcoming parade.

Speaker 3 (00:40):
So the Chamber of Commerce actually our Chamber
Foundation hosts and executesthe Rochester area hometown
Christmas parade every year.
The Lions Club was the first todo it early in the 1950s and
about eight to ten years laterthe Chamber had taken it over.

(01:00):
So we have been doing it eversince then and this will be the
Christmas parade's 73rd year.
It is the largest Christmasparade in the state of Michigan.
The date of the parade isSunday, december 8th.
Mark that in your calendars.
It starts at exactly 2 pm atthe corner of Rochester and

(01:23):
Tinkin and marches downtown to3rd Street.

Speaker 2 (01:29):
That is amazing, and it's the 73rd year of the parade
.

Speaker 3 (01:34):
Yes, the 73rd year of the parade.

Speaker 2 (01:38):
So we do have some fun things leading up to the
parade as well.

Speaker 3 (01:43):
So each year the Christmas Parade Committee,
which is chaired by Tim Crawford, the owner of the Crawford
Insurance Group, right here inRochester Hills, michigan,
selects a Grand Marshal.
And the Grand Marshal this yearwill be Oakland University's
own Coach, greg Campy of themen's basketball team.

(02:04):
So Coach Campy has a longhistory with the community.
He's done so much for thecommunity and before the parade
we will honor him at the GrandMarshal Gala on Wednesday,
december the 4th, at Great OaksCountry Club.
The public is welcome to attend.
They can purchase ticketsthrough the chamber website or

(02:28):
call the chamber directly.

Speaker 2 (02:31):
And what is that number for the chamber, the
chamber's?

Speaker 3 (02:34):
phone number is 248-651-6700.

Speaker 2 (02:39):
That is great, and there are still tickets
available for that.

Speaker 3 (02:42):
There are still tickets available.

Speaker 2 (02:43):
Correct.
Great.
Now what about?
Are you looking for businessesto still sponsor the parade?

Speaker 3 (02:49):
So we are.
As you can imagine, the chamberwould not be able to execute an
event of this magnitude withoutthe generosity of our community
partners.
Our presenting sponsors for theparade this year are Erkstein
Law Group, genesis Credit Unionand Sarah Ford Buick GMC, and
we'd like to thank them forstepping up and sponsoring the

(03:14):
parade again this year, alongwith other companies that have
stepped up and sponsored otheritems with the parade, and we
are always looking for sponsorsand volunteers.
The chamber is a mighty staffof five and we have an army of
volunteers that help us executethe parade.

Speaker 2 (03:34):
That is amazing.
What about people who want toparticipate in the parade?
How can they do that?

Speaker 3 (03:40):
People who would like to participate in the parade
would be able to find the paradeapplication on our chamber's
website, which is rrc-micom.
It's a fillable form.
All they have to do is downloadthe application and send it
directly back to me.

Speaker 2 (04:00):
Great, and what else would you like the community to
know about your upcoming parade?

Speaker 3 (04:06):
This is a treasured community event.
We have brownies and highschool bands and floats that
have participated in the paradefor years and it happens to be
one of my favorite events.
I've been the director andinvolved with the parade for
almost 20 years.
It's seeing the kids' faceslined up on the streets is so

(04:30):
memorable and we want everybodyto enjoy the parade, and Santa
will be there again this year.

Speaker 2 (04:38):
Yay, everyone wants to see Santa.

Speaker 3 (04:42):
It's a great way to kick off the holiday experience.
That is great.

Speaker 2 (04:48):
Well, Maggie, this is going to be an amazing event,
once again put on by theRochester Regional Foundation,
and I really appreciate youtaking time with me today and
talking a little bit about theparade and what is up and coming
in the next few weeks.

Speaker 3 (05:06):
Thank you so much, Lisa, for having me here today.

Speaker 1 (05:09):
Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast,
rochester.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses to be featured on
the show, go to gnprochestercom.
That's gnprochestercom, or call248-988-9640.