Sheriff Anthony Wickersham Joins Santa Parade as Grand Marshall

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham will add a second title to his name today as he joins the ranks of the Macomb County Santa Parade as Grand Marshall.

As county sheriff, the Macomb Township resident is no stranger to leadership, but the Friday parade will mark his first Grand Marshall experience.

“I am honored to be the Grand Marshall,” Wickersham said. “Hopefully, we’ll bring some excitement that the holiday season is here and get the kids excited with Santa coming and bring together family and friends.”

The parade, which has been held the day after Thanksgiving since 1975, starts today at 10 a.m. on Main Street at Church Street in Mount Clemens. More than 100 floats, bands, clowns, giant heads and special units, including the Budweiser Clydesdales, will then march north to Market Street.

"It a smaller event in beautiful downtown Mount Clemens, and (although) this one isn’t as large as (America's Thanksgiving Parade) it has more of a hometown feeling," Wickersham said.

And while Wickersham will be riding at the head of the parade, as the name suggests, the real star of the parade is the jolly old elf, Santa Claus. At the parade's end, Mount Clemens Mayor Barb Dempsey will present Santa Claus with a key to the hearts of the boys and girls of Macomb County.

For a history of the parade, or parking information, visit the parade website.