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61st Annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Welcomes New Partner and Junior Grand Marshals
With the holidays just around the corner, the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce announces new features to theAnnual Hometown Christmas Parade. Now in its 61st year, the parade partners with Radio Disney and introduces the first two Junior Grand Marshals who will lead the parade alongside this year’s Grand Marshals, Ray and Ginny deSteiger.
It’s no secret that the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade has long been a family tradition in the community. This year, the chamber is excited to announce that Radio Disney AM 910, part of the #1 radio network, for kids, tweens and families, will be the official media partner of the parade. In partnership with Crittenton Hospital Medical Center and AirTime Trampoline & Game Park, Radio Disney AM 910 is excited to bring the second annual “Festival of Giving” to Rochester. “Festival of Giving” is part of Radio Disney’s Project Family initiative, inspiring families to spend time together in an effort to make a lasting, positive change at home, in their community and the world at large.
Radio Disney stations in more than 30 markets are bringing multiple charities together once again in their local communities to create a convenient way for kids and families to help others this holiday season. The charities that will benefit from this year’s “Festival of Giving” include Toys for Tots, Rainbow Connection of Michigan and the Rochester Regional Community Collaboration. The Radio Disney AM 910 Road Crew will also be on-site with interactive entertainment and prizes.
In addition, this year’s parade will be host to Junior Grand Marshals Grant Mercer and Sara-Jane Dakroub. The Junior Grand Marshal selection is a new effort launched by Rochester leaders to encourage student involvement in community organizations and events. This year’s Junior Grand Marshals, receiving $1,000 scholarships from parade presenting sponsors Genisys Credit Union, were chosen during the first annual Rochester Student Leadership Retreat, held in June.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to have been appointed Junior Grand Marshal for the city of Rochester Hills, said Sara-Jane Dakroub, a senior at Stoney Creek High School. “I aspire to use the leadership skills which I have recently acquired as Junior Grand Marshal for the 2012-2013 year.”
Grant Mercer is a senior at Adams High School. Both students have participated in community events as well as playing pivotal roles in the foundation of the Rochester Regional Community Collaboration.
“Genisys is excited to be able to award two students with $1,000 scholarships and looks forward to being part of the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade again this year,” said Jackie Buchanan, CEO.
Held on Sunday, December 2, the parade begins at 1:45 p.m. at the corner of Tienken and Rochester Roads and continues south along Main Street to Third Street in Downtown Rochester. Information on this year’s parade can be found at www.rrc-mi.com and on facebook.
The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners; Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Shelton Buick GMC, Genisys Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and the Detroit Regional Chamber for their support.
The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community. For information on the chamber call 248-651-6700 or visit www.rrc-mi.com.