The parade was the culmination of the Lakeside Emporium Autumn Fest, or LEAF, which the popular candy shop celebrated from Oct. 16 through Oct. 20. Saturday’s finale featured area businesses, bands and other musical acts, nonprofits, and more. The parade kicked off at the Grand Trunk Launch Ramp at 2090 Lakeshore Drive and ended at Lakeside Emporium, located at 1930 Lakeshore Drive.
Additionally, the event helped to raise money and collect donations for Kids’ Food Basket and area food banks and shelters. A nonprofit that works to address childhood hunger, Kids’ Food Basket provides meals for nearly 7,500 children each weekday in West Michigan, including in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights.
Lakeside Emporium also collected food and winter wear, such as gloves and hats, at the parade, which will be distributed to local food pantries and shelters.
The parade will be held again next year on the third Saturday of October. To keep up to date on next year’s event, as well as other sweet happenings, visit Lakeside Emporium on Facebook.
[Click on any of the images below to start the photo slideshow.]
Lakeside Emporium owners Gary and Laureen Samples.
The Muskegon Heights Marching Band.
The Muskegon Big Red Marching Band.
Joseph Emory entertains the crowd.
The Muskegon Chamber Choir joined the parade for the first time this year.
The Nims Neighborhood Association.
Muskegon Polish Festival participants entertain the crowd.
Representatives from the Muskegon Polish Festival.
Kids’ Food Basket marchers.
The Sweetest Day Parade will be held again on the third Saturday of October in 2019.
After a morning of marching, this pup was tuckered out.
Staying warm in the chilly October air.
More canine marchers.
A Muskegon Fire Department truck lands cheers from many of the parade goers.
All eyes on the parade.
The Muskegon Big Red Marching Band and the Muskegon Heights Marching Band join together.
The Muskegon Big Red Marching Band.
The Muskegon Big Red Marching Band.
Muskegon Big Red Marching Band members perform for a crowd following the parade.
Members of the Muskegon Big Red Marching Band outside Lakeside Emporium.
The Muskegon Heights Marching Band.
This leaf man catches a ride with Shoreline Insurance.
Watching the parade.
Fans and alumni of Michigan and Michigan State brought their team spirit to the parade.
Members of the Muskegon Chamber Choir.
The Hi-Nabors Square Dance Club.
Members of the Hi-Nabors Square Dance Club entertain the crowd.
The Hi-Nabors Square Dance Club perform on Lakeshore Drive.
ASAP Towing.
Representatives from AMBUCS, a nonprofit dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.
As members from the Muskegon Lights walked down Lakeshore, several children started gleefully shouting, “lighthouse! Lighthouse!”
Folks from the Muskegon Lights.
The Muskegon Heights Marching Band performs outside Lakeside Emporium.
The Muskegon Heights Marching Band.
The Muskegon Big Red Marching Band.
Muskegon Heights Marching Band.
Guess who they want to win Saturday’s game?
Christian Care, a nonprofit that has been serving Muskegon’s elderly community for more than a century.
The Muskegon Chamber Choir.
The Muskegon Chamber Choir.
Parade goers dance outside Lakeside Emporium.
The Muskegon Big Red Marching Band.
Lakeside Emporium.
Lakeside Emporium.
Following the parade, Lakeside Emporium was filled with many a candy shopper.
