KalamazooBlog.com

Gallery Hop

Once again, the Park Trades Center, will open its doors for the November Holiday Gallery Hop on November 3 from 5 until 9 pm. Set some time aside to visit downtown Kalamazoo at the Park Trades Center for a visual feast!

Holiday Parade

The 44th Annual Holiday Parade is about to start it's march in downtown Kalamazoo on November 4th at 11:00. From Central-City.net ...

November 4th, marks the kickoff to the holiday season for Downtown Kalamazoo and the entire community. The event features giant helium balloons – along with nearly 90 other community organizations, businesses, and bands. There are between 80-90 units that make for a fun-filled and wonderful celebration. The parade is co-presented by Downtown Kalamazoo Association Charities and WRKR – Cumulus Broadcasting, WWMT-CBS Channel 3, and Community Access Center.

The parade is a 44-year tradition, and organizations, businesses, schools, and colleges participate by hosting holiday community floats, marching bands, clowns, and other entertaining parade units. The parade is highlighted with the addition of almost 6 helium balloons that grace the sky for a dazzling performance of flight. Some of these famous balloon characters include: Felix the Cat, Garfield, Theodore the Toy Soldier, Bob the Building, AAA of Michigan’s Safety Guy, Holiday Christmas Tree, The Candy Cane, and a whole lot more! And as the 44 year tradition holds true, Santa is always the finishing finale.

The parade steps off from Pfizer's Parking Lot at 10:50 a.m., so make sure that you claim your spot. The parade will be televised live at 11 a.m. on Community Access Center Channel 21- with host David Benso and Anne Drummond.

2006 sponsors include:AAA of Michigan, AGA Gas, Bronson Healthcare Group, and Meijer. Sponsorships are still available.

The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade is presented by DKA Charities and Cumulus Broadcasting hosting stations WRKR-FM107.7 and WWMT, Channel 3. The Parade is also supported by the City of Kalamazoo and Community Access Center.

For more information regarding volunteer opportunities or a sponsoring partnership, please call Deborah Droppers, DKI Event Coordinator at 269/388-2830.

Admission Price: Free

Location: Downtown Kalamazoo (Traditional Parade Route including Lovell at Pharmacia Parking Lot, to Park Street, to Michigan, to Pitcher, to Lovell

Phone Number: 269-388-2830

The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade is boradcast live on Community Access Center's Channel 21 with a Spanish simulcast on Channel 20, Cumulus Broadcasting provides pre-event promotion on WRKR radio stations.

Voter Guide

The annual Kalamazoo Voter Guide developed and distributed by the Kalamazoo Area League of Women Voters is now available prior to the November 7, 2006 elections. The guide is available online and also available in paper copies at local Kalamazoo Post Offices.

Added 10/30/2006
The City of Kalamazoo offers election related information on its website.

Concert Band of Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo Concert Band was founded in 1961. The band's membership is comprised of over 100 adults from the southwestern Michigan area. Over 25 of these members are current or retired music educators and teachers while the rest represent a diversity of occupations. Membership in the KCB is by audition and the band rehearses weekly, performing four free concerts each season.

Now in its 46th season, the KCB is one of Michigan's oldest adult metropolitan bands, created out of a need for continuing symphonic band experience beyond that of high school and college instrumental music programs. In recent years the band has earned an enviable reputation, prospering under the guidance of an active executive board, community support, and increased funding. The band's annual budget is derived from donations, annual foundation gifts, local and state grants, and program advertising. The KCB's list of patrons, contributors, and benefactors is extensive, growing every season.

The Band's first performance of the season features selections celebrating Columbus Day while representing "The New World." The performance is slated for 8:00 pm Saturday October 14 at Kalamazoo Public School's Chenery Auditorium.

Kalamazoo History

"Kalamazoo's unusual name, its central location between Detroit and Chicago, its thriving and balanced economy, its rich educational tradition, and its long-time interest in the arts have given the city a unique and colorful history." Learn more about the history of our vibrant community through the local history collection assembled by the Kalamazoo Public Library.