With December arriving, Apex is getting ready for one of its most popular holiday traditions- the Annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade. The event will take place this Saturday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m., starting at Ambergate Station and Apex Peakway before heading down Salem Street. As the only nighttime parade in Wake County, it draws crowds every year with its glowing floats, music, and festive atmosphere.
The parade is organized by the Apex Rotary Club, a nonprofit that uses the event to raise money for community programs such as Western Wake Crisis Ministry, Santa and Friends, and the Special Olympics NC Torch Run. Even though the Town of Apex provides support with space and safety, the Rotary Club plans and funds the parade itself.
A highlight for many students this year is the participation of Green Level’s Marching Band, which will perform along the parade route. Known for its strong musical program and award-winning shows during the school year, the band adds excitement and school spirit to the community and gives students a chance to showcase their hard work outside of competition season.
Freshman, Marching Band Member, Max Kimbark, describes how excited he is for the parade because it is a great opportunity to spread Christmas cheer and highlight our school.
“There’s going to be new stations at the parade, and we are holding a big Green Level banner in the front, so representing the Gators is really cool, considering we could be on TV,” Kimbark says.
Parades are also a great way for dance studios to showcase their talent to the community. With so many families attending, the performances often inspire children to try dancing themselves. This year, studios from across the Triangle, including APA (Academy of Performing Arts), CDP (Cary Dance Productions), Premier School of Dance, and CC & Co., will take the spotlight this weekend.
Sophomore Parker Grindley, a member of Premier School of Dance, will be dancing in the parade this Saturday. She explains that the Apex parade is her favorite to dance in because it is at night.
“It is more fun when you can see all the Christmas lights on the floats and on the trees,” Grindley says.
With marching bands, dance teams, and community groups, the Apex Christmas Parade brings the holiday season to life. Whether you come to support friends, enjoy the music, or simply soak in the lights, this Saturday’s event promises to start December on a joyful note.
