CLINTON — The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce named Ivan Stanwood as the 2021 Clinton Christmas Parade Grand Marshal. 

Stanwood will lead the parade on Saturday, November 27, starting at  2 p.m.  The parade will start at Nixon Manor and travel west down East Main Street, around Mr. Lincoln’s Square and end at the intersection of East Adams Street and South Center Street. 

Stanwood received numerous nominations.  including:

“Ivan is an American patriot who loves his wife, his family, his God, his country, and his community.  Ivan grew up in Minier, Ill., and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in February 1945, during World War II.  He received his father’s blessing to enlist at the age of 17 if he promised to finish high school when he returned home.  He went on to study at Lincoln Bible Seminary and then made his career at Caterpillar.  He has been married to his wife, Donna, for over 70 years!  They raised two children together - Tim Stanwood and Ivy (Stanwood) Koritz.  He walked the Earth for 89 years before watching his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016.  He’s a competitive pool shark, and he has served the church through his life in every leadership position imaginable, including minister, worship leader, Sunday school teacher, and elder.  He has made a life of serving others and sacrificing his own comforts and time in pursuit of his Heavenly reward.  He’s a God-fearing man who loves to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas!” 

Other nominees for the 2021 Grand Marshal were Jeff Morlock (2019 Parade Grand Marshal), Lou Mollet, Phoenix Gustafson, and Curt Nettles.  The Chamber Board of Directors thanks the community for taking the time to submit such deserving nominations.

The Chamber congratulated Stanwood and said they look forward to celebrating a “Magical, Musical Christmas” this year at the communit parade.