Above / Downtown Naperville is gearing up for the 2023 Holiday Parade of Lights with Star Athletes Jesse Labreck and Chris DiGangi as Grand Marshals. The parade also will be a showcase of many nonprofit organizations such as Naperville Responds for Veterans that help this community shine with services for individuals in need. (PN File Photo)
Update, Nov. 25, 2023 / At 7PM Fri., Nov. 24, the 2023 Holiday Parade of Lights with a showcase of nonprofit organizations stepped off along Jackson Avenue with Mayor Scott Wehrli and his family as well as members of the Rotary Club of Naperville in the lead position.
By the end, rounds of applause were given to Naperville Responds for Veterans. Just after the last float carrying Santa arrived and crowds began to disperse, emcees of the Holiday Parade of Lights announced NRFV as the winner of the nonprofit entry in the parade. Cheers!
For additional photos, visit the 2023 Photo Gallery.
Original Post, Nov. 1, 2023 / Last year’s photos help kick off the story about the downtown Naperville attraction the Friday after Thanksgiving.
The Rotary Club of Naperville has announced that “American Ninja Warrior” standouts, Jesse Labreck and Chris DiGangi, will serve as the Grand Marshals for the 2023 Holiday Parade of Lights, set to take place on Fri., Nov. 24. Known for their remarkable agility and achievements in the American Ninja Warrior series, they’re set to bring their vibrant energy to Downtown Naperville.
Jesse Labreck and Chris DiGangi, who made waves as finalists on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior Couples competition this past September, are celebrated athletes known for their incredible agility and strength. Individually, each have achieved 10 buzzers, and Labreck has won the Women’s Championship. With a shared passion for conquering obstacles, they have captured the hearts of fans nationwide and will now bring their energy, enthusiasm, and ninja spirit to Naperville.
The evening kicks off with Mikel Mays Band and the Barbershop Quartet at 6:30PM, with the parade commencing at 7PM. The Rotary Club of Naperville, dedicated to serving the community, expresses gratitude to its sponsors as the purpose of this parade is to raise funds that will benefit local nonprofit agencies.
Consider the new ‘Santa Experience’
New this year, a “Santa Experience” raffle drawing will give two winners a festive parade experience, including riding on the Santa and Mrs. Claus parade float or securing front row seats for prime parade viewing while choosing the winner of our non-profit ‘most spirited’ award.
For details on the parade, raffle tickets, and more, visit NapervilleRotaryParade.org. Raffle drawing slated for Fri., Nov. 10.
FYI briefs about Jesse Labreck and Chris DiGangi
Jesse Labreck, the General Manager of Ultimate Ninjas Naperville, has made notable achievements in American Ninja Warrior, including being the first rookie female to qualify for the Las Vegas Finals. Chris DiGangi, co-owner of Big Time Ninjas Bolingbrook, boasts a track record as a 12-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Both have captured national attention and admiration.
Rotary Club of Naperville
Chartered in 1941, the club, now with over 100 members, focuses on “service above self” while providing a wide variety of service projects in the community and globally. The Holiday Parade of Lights stands as their flagship fundraiser, supporting local nonprofit organizations.
News release submitted by Sarah Catarozzoli Andrusyna for Rotary Club of Naperville.
Four Rotary Clubs of Naperville
In addition to the Rotary Club of Naperville, this city is home to three other Rotary Clubs, all members of Rotary International and Rotary District 6450; and each with different leadership, personality and fundraising goals as well as members that meet at a different time and place.
Chartered in 1991, the Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise meets from 7-8AM every Friday (except the last of each month!) at Naperville Country Club from April through the end of the year and at other locations coming soon for 2024. Currently, Rotary-Sunrise is getting set for NaperLights, the club’s illuminated gift to the community from Main Street to Jaycees Park along Water Street, a bright idea that also will shine during the Holiday Parade of Lights.
Chartered in February 2007, Rotary Club of Naperville / Downtown meets weekly at 4:44PM on most Wednesdays. On the second and fourth Wednesdays the club meets in person at Angeli’s Restaurant, 1478 E Chicago Ave. Other meetings on the first and third Wednesdays are via Zoom. No meeting if there is a fifth Wednesday in a month. Recently, members of 4:44 Rotary packed 444 boxes of Thanksgiving dinner supplies for Loaves & Fishes Community Services.
Chartered in 2017, Rotary Club of Naperville After Dark meets selected Tuesdays at 6:30PM also at Angeli’s. On Oct. 28, the club hosted its annual Spooktacular Trivia evening, a fundraiser for Gigi’s Playhouse. The popular sold-out event was held at the Judd Kendall VFW.
Member Rotarians are known to “make up” meetings by attending meetings at other Rotary Clubs in Naperville, in Illinois, the United States and throughout the world. Visiting other Rotary Clubs is a great way to learn about Rotary projects and fundraisers that can make a difference for unmet needs as well as to experience first hand what’s happening in other communities. Rotary Clubs meet to build friendships, goodwill and peace worldwide with a motto of “Service above Self.” Guests are welcome. Guest fees vary from club to club.
