Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 51st Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE BY: Saline Area Chamber of Commerce

DATE: December 2026

Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 51st Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Theme: "Celebrating America's 250th Birthday – Red, White & Holiday Bright!"

The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite the community to its 51st Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 5, 2026, in downtown Saline.

This year's patriotic theme, "Celebrating America's 250th Birthday – Red, White & Holiday Bright!", commemorates our nation's 250th anniversary while bringing the community together for one of Saline's most cherished holiday traditions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to gather downtown for an evening filled with festive entertainment, holiday spirit, and hometown pride.

The celebration begins with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 P.M. at the corner of Michigan Avenue and North Ann Arbor Street. Immediately following the lighting of the community Christmas tree, participants in the Merry Mile will take off and enjoy a festive run through downtown Saline.

The Holiday Parade will step off at approximately 5:45 P.M. featuring local businesses, community organizations, schools, decorated floats, musical performances, and special guests. Following the parade, children and families are invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at The 109 Cultural Exchange.

Additional activities taking place throughout the day include the popular Cocoa Crawl, hosted by Saline Main Street from 12:00 to 5:00 P.M., providing attendees with the opportunity to enjoy seasonal treats while exploring downtown businesses.

The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Lucy Ann Lance and Annherst Kreitz as this year's parade co-emcees. The Chamber is also proud to recognize Jill Durnen of Hartman Insurance as the 2026 Holiday Parade Grand Marshal.

For Jill, being named Grand Marshal is a special honor and another opportunity to celebrate the community she has proudly called home her entire life. A lifelong Saline resident, her roots run deep in the community. Her family's business, Hartman Insurance, was founded by her grandfather in 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026. Jill proudly carries on the family legacy as the third generation to lead the agency.

"I always told my grandfather and dad that I wanted to work with them," said Durnen. "I like customer service and solving problems for people. It's in my blood."

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jill has dedicated decades to serving Saline through her involvement with the Rotary Club, the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, and Saline Main Street, where she currently serves as Board President. She was instrumental in bringing Saline into the Michigan Main Street program in 2012 and continues to champion a vibrant and welcoming downtown district.

For Jill, what makes Saline special is more than its businesses, downtown, or community events. It is the people who come together to make the city feel like home.

"I'm incredibly honored to serve as Grand Marshal," said Durnen. "Saline has given so much to me and my family, and I've always believed that being part of a community means giving back. The Holiday Parade is a wonderful tradition that brings families, friends, and neighbors together. I hope everyone comes out to share a little holiday cheer and celebrate the people who make Saline such a special place to call home."

Jill's dedication, leadership, and commitment to strengthening the community make her a fitting choice to lead this year's Holiday Parade as Saline gathers to celebrate the holiday season and America's 250th Birthday.

The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to H&R Block of Saline, Open AI, and Related Digital as the event's Presenting Sponsors, along with the many sponsors, volunteers, and community partners whose support makes this annual tradition possible.

"We are excited to celebrate not only the holiday season but also America's 250th Birthday with our community," said the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce. "The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting continue to bring together residents, businesses, and visitors in a spirit of celebration, community pride, and hometown tradition."

Community members are encouraged to follow the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for event updates, sponsor announcements, parade details, and additional holiday activities.

For more information, please contact:

Saline Area Chamber of Commerce

Email: office@salinechamber.org

Website: www.salinechamber.org

About the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce

The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading advocate for local businesses and works to strengthen the economic vitality and quality of life throughout the Saline area through business development, community engagement, and community events.