Board backs shorter route and moving Petoskey holiday parade to Thanksgiving weekend, with downtown office to lead

Marketing staff presented recommendations to move the holiday parade to the weekend of Thanksgiving, shorten the parade route to concentrate activity in the downtown area and return primary event organization to the downtown office rather than outside volunteers.

The marketing director said the proposal responds to community feedback and would make the parade less cold and more family-friendly for participants and spectators. Several board members supported shortening the route and favored the Saturday-after-Thanksgiving date, saying more people are in town then and a shorter downtown route would concentrate foot traffic for businesses. One resident said, "I do think there's more people in town over Thanksgiving" and argued the change could restore turnout.

Members raised operational concerns: the local marching band’s participation is weather-dependent and could decline in colder December conditions; volunteer staffing on the earlier weekend may be more difficult because some volunteers travel for the holiday. Board members agreed the downtown office serving as the single contact and coordinator would help centralize communications, and they asked staff to follow up with the Rotary Club and other volunteer organizations to confirm day-of support and sponsorship adjustments.

What happens next: The board agreed in principle on a shorter route, the Saturday-after-Thanksgiving date and downtown office oversight, and asked staff to confirm band and volunteer availability and to finalize route details for upcoming planning and promotion.