Longtime GH public works supervisor named Jingle Bell Parade marshal
Fri, Nov 20, 2009 
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Longtime city worker Greg Zimmerman has been named grand marshal of the 2009 Jingle Bell Parade.
He will lead this year's holiday procession as it winds through downtown Grand Haven on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 6 p.m.
The parade is organized by the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven-Spring Lake-Ferrysburg.
A lifelong resident of Grand Haven, Zimmerman has been taking care of the city as the Department of Public Works' maintenance supervisor since he began city employment on April 6, 1981. There is not an inch of Grand Haven that he has not looked after, worked on or fixed. City staff counts on Zimmerman daily for routine maintenance, big projects and miscellaneous issues; as well as the keeper of history and knowledge of how things work around the city.
Zimmerman has participated in the Jingle Bell Parade every year since it began. He will retire from the city at the end of December.
A very private individual, Zimmerman said he was honored to be asked to serve as this year's grand marshal; and believes that, in serving as a parade ambassador, he is representing the city.
"We are very proud that the Chamber has selected Greg for this honor," City Manager Pat McGinnis said. "He will be missed more than any of us realize."
The route of the 2009 Jingle Bell Parade will have a slight change because of the downtown construction project. The parade begins at Franklin and Fourth streets, and continues west down Franklin to Harbor Drive. The route continues north on Harbor to Columbus, east on Columbus to Second Street, then south on Second to Washington. The parade will then proceed east on Washington to Central Park for the lighting of the Christmas tree and a carol sing with Santa and Mrs. Claus, led by Capt. Dean Towne of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army canteen will be at Central Park serving hot chocolate.
Additional handicap parking will be available in the Municipal Marina parking lot on Harbor Drive at Columbus.
Corporate sponsor for the 2009 Jingle Bell Parade and Lighting of the Christmas tree in Central Park is Community Shores Bank.
