Mark your calendars to attend the Town of Cicero’s annual Christmas Parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. The annual community event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cicero and Cicero Christian Church.
Parade attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to help make Christmas a little brighter for children in the communities of Arcadia, Atlanta and Cicero who may not otherwise have much under their tree. Santa’s elves will be present along the parade route to help collect toys to add to Santa’s sack of toys. Toy donations can also be dropped off at the Cicero Fire Department, Becks, First Merchants Bank, Key Bank, Erica’s, the Cicero Market and the Hamilton North Public Library. All toys received will be wrapped and given out to these children in the at the annual King’s Treasure Christmas Party.
Dave Hildebrand
Cicero Police Chief, Dave Hildebrand, who will be retiring from his post in April 2018, has been selected as The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. Hildebrand grew up in Arcadia and is a graduate of Hamilton Heights High School. He was a local boy who stayed in the community and made a difference.
Hildebrand joined the Cicero Police Department as a Reserve Officer in September 1979 and was hired for a full-time position in 1980. He started with a good foundation, joining Jerry and Garry Cook and Don Portwood on the force and inherited a stable, respected department following the Cooks as Chief. When he joined the force Morse Landing, Stillwater Cove, Greystone and Wareham’s Pond didn’t exist. Wainwright Bank and Hook’s Drug Store were the only businesses south of Brinton St.
“While the landscape of the town has changed during his nearly four decades of service to the town, what hasn’t changed is its basic fabric,” he said. “People have come and gone, leaders have come and gone but Cicero still remains a friendly, safe, and desirable place to live. I’ve been proud to serve the citizens for all these years and am honored to be named as this year’s Grand Marshal.”
As part of the day’s festivities, the Holiday Market Place returns from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the Hamilton North Public Library, located at 209 W. Brinton St. The Holiday Market Place features a variety of handcrafted, specialty and unique items that make for great gifts – just in time for Christmas. Santa will make a special visit for pictures, listen to Christmas wishes and spread a little Christmas cheer to children young and old. There will be activities for children.
This event is open to the public. Parade route and additional information can be found at: facebook.com/Cicero-Kiwanis-Christmas-Parade-477808435722620.
To enter a float or participate at the Holiday Market Place, contact Coordinator Brent Harrison by email at cicerokiwanis@gmail.com or by calling 317-606-8321.