AARON KELSEY NAMED GRAND MARSHAL OF A VERY MERRY MADISON CHRISTMAS PARADE

He retired last year after an 11 year run.

Madison, Indiana (November 28, 2022) – The City of Madison announced Aaron Kelsey, former parade coordinator, will be honored as the grand marshal of this year's A Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade. This is Kelsey's first year of retirement from the seasonal position after being the official coordinator for 11 consecutive years.

Aaron Kelsey has called Madison home for the last 21 years. Together with his wife, Jamie, they have seven children: Tristan, Vanina, Jackson, Owain, Poppy, George, and Tad. Kelsey is a native of Mitchell, Indiana, and moved to Madison after being hired as an art teacher at MCHS, where he is now head of the Fine Arts Academy and Director of Madison Theatre. Kelsey has always loved the Christmas season, and in 2010 after reading in the Madison Courier that the Christmas Parade was canceled due to "no interest," he reached out to the city and offered his direction of the annual event, beginning his 11-year journey as coordinator. 

"Christmas has always been my favorite season of the year. The time to celebrate family, friends, and faith, and what better place to kick off the holidays than our perfect Main Street," said Kelsey.

Kelsey sought to make the parade bigger and more entertaining, urging local groups to enter a float and not just an advertisement. He wanted the parade to be a picturesque and heartwarming tradition that Madisonians and out-of-town guests would look forward to. He booked circus acts, military bands, the Planters Nutmobile, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, Garfield, and others to join the festivities. For the last several years, he was able to add the giant helium balloons through the generosity of our sponsors.

"The city did not have the resources to run the Christmas parade, and Aaron was the one to take it on and keep it alive," said Hannah Fagen, Director of Community Relations. "This parade is my favorite event; without him, we would not have the magical Main Street experience we all look forward to each December." 

"The parade has become a regional holiday event, thanks to Aaron and his dedication to making Madison Merry," said Madison Mayor Bob Courtney. “People from the surrounding areas travel here each December to experience all the parade and the city has to offer during the holiday season. We owe a huge thanks to Aaron Kelsey for all he has poured into our city. We cannot think of anyone more fit to be our grand marshal this year."

Brought to you by German American Bank, A Very Merry Madison Christmas Parade features numerous community organizations and businesses, equestrians, Christmas floats and performances. This year's parade is on Saturday, December 3, at 11 a.m. To learn more about the parade and the sponsors that made it possible, visit madison-in.gov/christmas.