The festive season is quickly approaching, and Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki is delighted to share the exciting news from the Wilmington Jaycees. They proudly announce the return of the 59th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade to the heart of Downtown Wilmington, scheduled for Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Mark Your Calendar for the 59th Annual Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade A Cherished Tradition Spanning Over Five Decades!
The Wilmington Jaycees are thrilled to bring back their much-loved 59th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 25th, starting at 11:00 a.m. This annual tradition holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, and after the remarkable parade last year, the Jaycees are eagerly looking forward to another fantastic celebration in downtown Wilmington. Notably, the parade aligns with Small Business Saturday, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses.

Samar Kargbo, President of the Wilmington Jaycees, expressed, “The Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parade symbolizes the essence of our vibrant community. It showcases our local small businesses, empowers various community groups, and unites the creativity of the city of Wilmington.”
The parade promises a delightful display of floats, vintage cars, local celebrities, community groups, marching bands, string bands, and a host of other captivating performers. As tradition dictates, the parade’s star attraction will be none other than the jolly old fellow himself, Santa Claus.
Children in attendance are encouraged to pen down their heartfelt wishes and drop their letters for Santa as he passes by during the parade. (Parents are reminded to provide a complete mailing address, including the zip code, if they wish to receive a reply.) The Wilmington Jaycees will collaborate with Santa and his trusty elves to ensure that each letter is answered with care and joy.
If your group aspires to be part of this beloved parade, please visit www.wilmingtonjaycees.org no later than November 10, 2023, to submit your application.

Past Wilmington Jaycees Christmas Parades have welcomed an array of remarkable personalities, including Luke Matheny, the 2011 Oscar winner for Best Live Action Short Film; Aubrey Plaza, renowned for her role in NBC’s comedy “Parks and Recreation”; Vince Papale, whose story inspired the 2006 movie “Invincible”; A.J. Melendez, a contestant on “American Idol Juniors”; Sean Patrick Thomas, Co-Star of CBS Drama Series “The District,” and notable roles in movies like “The Last Dance” and “Cruel Intentions”; Heavyweight Boxing Champion Michael Spinks; Middleweight Boxing Champion Bernard Hopkins; Olympic Gold Medalist Dionna Harris; Evette Freeman from the hit TV series “ER”; Ron Pallilo, the star of “Welcome Back, Kotter”; and the acclaimed singing duo Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., along with numerous other luminaries from the realms of sports, movies, television, theater, and publishing.
About the Wilmington Jaycees
The Wilmington Jaycees, a member organization of JCI, cater to individuals between the ages of 18-40, fostering community, personal, and leadership development. The Jaycees are known for their proactive commitment to public service, the enhancement of individual skills, and the cultivation of community leaders. With a legacy spanning over 80 years, they continue to make a positive impact. To learn more about their initiatives, visit www.wilmingtonjaycees.org.
Parade Contact:
Josh Hoveln
Phone: 302-893-5544
Email: hoveln.joshua@gmail.com