Fun, festive and fulfilling

The Green Bay Holiday Parade, hosted by Downtown Green Bay, Inc., which took place this Saturday, Nov. 22, has been a staple of the holiday season for the thousands of people who line the streets along its route.

For parade sponsor HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, the Holiday Parade is about more than just festive floats and holiday cheer — it’s about giving back to a community that has given so much to them.

"Our children’s hospital was fully funded by the community, and we are forever grateful for that. Our friends and neighbors continue to donate throughout the year to ensure that our kids have what they need so that when they are here, they can enjoy meaningful experiences through our Child Life program. We are able to offer these experiences thanks to the ongoing generosity and support from our community,” said HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital Director of Nursing Amy Bardon. “We are blessed to be able to give back in ways like supporting the parade, where families and neighbors can come together and celebrate during a festive time.”

Over HSHS St. Vincent Hospital’s more than 130-year history, the organization has remained committed to bringing healing and happiness to local children and families — whether that’s within the hospital’s walls, out in the community, or even at the Holiday Parade.

While the Children’s Hospital itself has not existed for the full 130 years, its mission is rooted in the same legacy of care.

“We have been serving children and families in Green Bay for decades — more than 130 years — and we have been the only children’s hospital in the Green Bay area for the past decade,” Bardon said. “[The parade] really aligns with our mission of being there for families, our neighbors, and our kids in all that we do—offering hope, joy, and support to help them return to what they love most. We are beyond excited to be part of this long-standing tradition.”

What’s the best part of parade day? Bardon said, “It’s the smiles and the excitement and the joy… The fun thing is seeing everybody interact and really come together as a community and celebrate during a fun, festive time.”

The parade has also become deeply meaningful for the Children’s Hospital staff who participate each year.

“When we walk through the parade and recognize patients we’ve cared for—some who have been with us more than once—and we see them healthy, smiling, and back to doing what they love, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Watching them wave as our teams pass by, knowing we were part of their healing journey, reminds us why we do this work,” Bardon said. “Moments like that truly bring everything together for us as a team and reaffirm the difference we’re able to make.”