The Express Clydesdales of Express Employment Professionals
The award-winning Express Clydesdales of Express Employment Professionals will return to the 2015 Art Van Santa Parade presented by the Grand Rapids Jaycees. The world-renowned Express Clydesdales have been competing and touring in North America since 1999, most recently winning first place in the Clydesdale Four-Horse Hitch, the Clydesdale Six-Horse Hitch, Clydesdale Ladies Cart, Clydesdale Unicorn Hitch and the Clydesdale Team competition at the prestigious Calgary Stampede’s World Champion competition in Calgary, Alberta. Additionally, Danny, a five-year-old member of the Express Clydesdale team was named the Supreme Champion Clydesdale and won Best in Show during the competition.
The Express Clydesdales also help raise money for charitable organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Making an impact wherever they go, the Clydesdales have been a part of numerous nationally recognized parades and events, including: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Tournament of Roses Parade, Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade, PLUS Chauffeuring the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine during their visit to Calgary.
Express Employment Professionals first brought the Express Clydesdales to the Santa Parade in Grand Rapids in 2012. Serving as ambassadors for Express Employment Professionals, these rare black and white Clydesdales weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 lbs. each. Looming over other horse breeds Clydesdales mature to an average height of 17 to 19 hands, which is about six feet from the ground to the horse’s shoulder. Please visit www.expressclydesdales.com for more details about the Express Clydesdales.
Art Van Santa Parade
The West Michigan holiday season will officially kick-off with the Art Van Santa Parade, presented by the Grand Rapids Jaycees. Downtown Grand Rapids will be filled with sweet sounds of local marching bands, carolers, and local performers. Entrants for the 2015 event will create unique entries around the theme, including costumes, music and floats based on popular & classic holiday songs. Thousands of parade-goers will be watching as the Parade makes its way down the streets of Grand Rapids. The parade will be broadcast LIVE on WOOD TV8 starting at 9am on Saturday November 21, 2015.
Founded in the late 1800’s, the Grand Rapids Santa Parade was designed to bring people downtown for a kickoff to holiday shopping. Seeking new leadership, the parade was taken over by the Grand Rapids Jaycees. Of note, our most well known member to date is late great President Gerald R. Ford. The Jaycees have insured that the parade is a great community event with leadership and volunteer opportunities. In 2010, title sponsor Art Van Furniture was added bringing large scale attractions and a partnership with WOODTV8 to host the event on live television. It’s going to be another great Art Van Santa Parade presented by the Grand Rapids Jaycees! Please visit www.santaparadegr.com for more details on this year's parade.