There will be plenty of music and confetti this summer in downtown Lansing, but for the first time in 16 years, it won't be because of the Michigan Parade.
"The skinny on the parade this year is that we decided to cancel it," said Calvin L. Jones, the parade's chair. "We looked at the road construction in downtown Lansing … and decided that it would be the best decision."
According to a press release, a lack of funding also is a contributing factor. Typically, the parade showcases Michigan events, people, places and history. It was scheduled for May 19.
Jones, who has helped plan the parade for the past seven years, said it was hard to cancel the yearly event because this was his first term as its chair.
The next parade is being planned for March 17, 2008.
"Right now, my priority is to reprioritize the board, and once we do that, I intend to split the jobs up in subcommittees, such as media and marketing," he said. "And then we'll talk about vision I'd like to see happen."
Although the parade has been canceled, Randy Hannan, deputy chief of staff for Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, said the city is pleased Jones is looking forward to the next parade.
"We're disappointed, but encouraged by their commitment to bring back the parade next year," Hannan said. "We're confident that it'll be bigger and better than ever, and we support that effort every way we can as a city."
Drew Bossler, the dining room manager of Troppo, 101 S. Washington Square in Lansing, never noticed any difference in his restaurant during the parade, and said he expects business to be the same without it happening this year.
"Anything that's going to attract people to the city, we're sad to see it go," Bossler said.
Finding an effective funding source will be a key in improving the parade, and Jones plans to talk to businesses from all across the state, not just Mid-Michigan.
"We're looking for more sustained funding in the future," Jones said. "What I'd like to do is be able to secure funds from not only here, but from business throughout the state."
Jones also is looking to expand the parade's marketing strategy to the entire state.
"We've had a lot posted around the city, but I'd like to see an expansion in the marketing in Grand Rapids, Traverse City and the Detroit area," he said. "My vision is to develop a parade where we have something from all over the state into our region. I'd like to bring people into our region so they can attend a Lugnuts game and maybe visit the Capitol.
"I want to make this region a destination, not a pass-through."
