Thanksgiving is a day that Americans have set aside to give thanks for the bounty of blessings God has granted us here in Sheboygan and throughout the United States. As families gather together on this day enjoying the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, let us not forget those less fortunate locally and around the world. By sharing our personal bounty with the hungry, the needy, and the lonely, we will truly share the meaning of Thanksgiving.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I would also like to give thanks for the great team members that we have working for the City of Sheboygan. Since becoming mayor in 2013 I have been impressed with the hard work and dedication of the team members that work for you as city staff. Many departments provide 24/7 service to Sheboygan residents, the staff at the Fire Department, Police Department, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Department of Public Works will be at their job through the holidays.
I pray that all our residents will experience a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving Day.
The City of Sheboygan is working with several community groups that have Christmas projects for the benefit of the community. One of the longstanding events is the Sheboygan Jaycees Holiday Parade. This year will be the 26th year that the Jaycees have celebrated the arrival of Santa Claus in Downtown Sheboygan. The parade sponsor is Lake 98.1 and the parade will start at 5:00 pm Sunday, November 25, 2018. A live radio broadcast with parade unit commentary will be provided for those in attendance by Lake 98.1 FM. The parade route will start at Center Avenue and 7th Street, go north on 7th Street to Erie Avenue, go west on Erie Avenue to 8th Street, go south on 8th Street and end at Mead Public Library fountain.
Another fun Christmas activity is to have your children write a letter to Santa. Volunteers from the U.S. Postal Service will be walking in the Holiday Parade to collect and deliver your letters to Santa. Be sure to include your name and address on the letter so Santa can give you a response. The lighting of the City of Sheboygan Christmas Tree display will take place immediately following the parade at the Mead Library fountain.
The Christmas trees at the fountain have been decorated for the Christmas season by the city with assistance from the Business Improvement District and Brilliant Lightscapes. The lights on the evergreen trees surrounding the fountain have been connected to a computer system that will make them dance to the holiday music. Music will be heard on a speaker system and a low power FM signal at 87.7, that can be picked up on your car radio as you drive by on 8th Street.
At Evergreen Park the city is working with the Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs as they stage the annual “Making Spirits Bright” lights display. On November 23 many of the past favorite displays will return along with more new spectacular presentations. Evergreen Park is located on Highway 42 North and will be open evenings from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Driving into the park will only be allowed from the north, turning right into the park entrance. Admission is free of charge, donations of cash and non-perishable food items for the Sheboygan County Food Bank are encouraged. The collection goal this year is 85,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank.
The 2nd annual Holiday Lights 5K Run/1 MI Walk is set for Saturday, November 17. The runners will start at 4:00 pm and the walkers will start in three waves: Wave 1 at 5:00 pm, Wave 2 at 5:30 pm, and Wave 3 at 6:00 pm. Advance registrations can sign up for $30 and sign up ends November 12.