MEL MARTIN NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR THE 12th ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE

GLENDALE, AZ - Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers is excited to announce that Mel Martin, owner and founder of the beloved Martin Auto Museum, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 12th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

“What an incredible honor,” said Mel Martin. “I am truly delighted to lead a parade that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. At the Martin Auto Museum, my passion has always been to share the history and heritage of automobiles with future generations. I cannot wait to see the joy on the faces of children as they take in the classic cars, the festive floats, and, of course, Santa Claus.”

Mayor Weiers and Grand Marshal Martin invite the entire community to join them for this festive, family-friendly celebration in historic downtown Glendale. The parade will roll through 52nd Avenue to 58th Avenue, filling the streets with holiday cheer and small-town charm.

The Hometown Christmas Parade celebrates the true reason for the season—the birth of Jesus Christ. Now in its 12th year, it has become a cherished tradition thanks to a dedicated volunteer committee made up of nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and residents. Though held in Glendale, the parade draws participants and sponsors from across the Valley who come together to honor the heart of Christmas.

“This is my favorite time of the year, and I love seeing the happy faces and memories that are created at this parade year-after-year,” said Mayor Weiers. “I am thankful to Mel (Martin) for agreeing to be our parade marshal. He is a pillar in our community, and I know he will relish this opportunity. Mel is the owner and founder of the Martin Auto Museum. Mel not only has a love for cars, but he is also an expert mechanic who could fix any of the cars in the museum blindfolded. Over the years, Mel’s love of cars led to a substantial collection and after the years of joy they brought him, he decided to give back to the Valley and open the Martin Auto Museum.”

Mayor Weiers encourages families, friends, and local businesses to get creative and join the fun as spectators or even enter a float. Decorate a vehicle or flatbed trailer, dress in festive costumes, or craft a unique entry with wagons, golf carts, and more. It’s a joyful way to showcase your organization while spreading holiday spirit.

Last year, parade organizers donated more than $60,000 and thousands of pounds of food to Glendale’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank. Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the parade and place them in food donation bins, or make an online donation at www.hcparade.org/food-drive.

The registration deadline for parade float entries is December 5. To sign up or learn more, visit

hcparade.org/parade-entry.

Hope for Hunger Food Bank provides emergency food, case management, and job assistance to more than 300 Glendale families daily. Your participation and generosity help ensure even more support reaches neighbors in need this holiday season.