Kelly Watts with Community Coop Oil Association in Faribault is the selection for the Grand Marshal of the Faribault Winterfest Parade the first Saturday in December.

Faribault Main Street made the official announcement today pointing out Watts has been active with the Main Street organization volunteering at car shows and other events.  She also serves on the Faribault Area Chamber Agriculture Committee.

The annual Winterfest Celebration is in it's fourth year (no event held in 2020 due to COVID) and kicks off on Thursday, December 2, 2021 with horse drawn carriage rides, an ice carving, downtown window decorating contest, fun at Buckham Center includes reindeer, Santa, games and music.

Saturday, December 4, 2021 events include a craft bizarre at 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, 14th Annual Alexander Faribault House Christmas Open House, Sleds on Central Snowmobile show hosted with the Faribault So-Go Club, fireworks, Parade of Lights followed by street dance with Fender Bender and full bar.

The last float in the parade this year will be the March of the Cousin Eddies. all are welcome to dress as the memorable movie charachter and march down the parade route.

Grand Marshal Watts will lead several dozen floats adorned with lights down Central Avenue in Faribault.

Kelly Nygaard Faribault Main Street Coordinator and Tourism Director commented, "We are honored to have Kelly Watts as this year's Grand Marshal.  She is a positive member of the community, always eager to help make Faribault a better place to live, work and visit.  This year's celebration is a truly special event, as we find ourselves emerging from a global pandemic and looking forward to the Winterfest Celebration as a symbol of community and perseverance."

Nygaard adds, "The parade has quickly become a community favorite."

I was the last Grand Marshal in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed being in the parade and attending the dance afterward.

I remember asking the organizers if they were sure of my selection because when I was Grand Marshal of the Kenyon Carriage and Cutter Parade they had a ice storm that stopped a lot of units from making the trip.

Lo and behold I was right.  After I was Grand Marshal COVID-19 hit cancelling the event last year.

Seriously though, it was a great honor to be selected. The choice of Watts is excellent.

Prior to my selection was Paul Peanasky, Faribault Parks and Recreation Director in 2018 and Bruce Burkhartzmeyer of Burkhartzmeyer Shoes fame was the first Grand Marshal in 2017.

I thought this might be timely.

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I guess we need to get by Thanksgiving first.

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