This year’s Holiday Electric Light Parade and Christmas Village Gala in Ogden promise an extra-special touch as they welcome Logan Knapp, a resilient young boy, chosen as the Grand Marshal through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Logan Knapp, despite facing health challenges, has embraced life with an unwavering spirit of joy. His selection as this year’s Grand Marshal has brought joy to Logan and his family, who are excited for the event.
Darrin Clarke, Special Events Manager at Admiral Beverage Company, expressed the impact of meeting and honoring a Make-A-Wish child: “Meeting with the Make-A-Wish child and their families to find out all about them, hearing everything they are overcoming, and what makes them happy is such an amazing experience. From seeing the sparkle of excitement in their eyes when they see their float, to riding on it during the parade and then turning on the lights to Christmas Village brings a smile and joy to us all. They have such positive attitudes, and their happiness is so contagious! It is a very rewarding and magical event to participate in.”
Admiral Beverage Corporation (Pepsi) continues its, 9 year, tradition of support by decorating a surprise-themed float tailored to Logan’s preferences. Gratitude extends to local businesses—Minky Couture, Dillard’s, and Ogden City—for generously contributing gifts for Logan and his family.
Logan’s mother, Kellie Knapp, shared a glimpse into Logan’s resilient spirit. At six years old, a playground accident led to the unexpected discovery of leukemia. Despite enduring the challenges of chemotherapy, including vision loss and life-threatening allergic reactions, Logan, now eight, stands in remission, continuing his treatment with unwavering determination.
Amidst the hardships, Logan’s family found solace in the overwhelming support from the community. Kellie Knapp reflected on Logan’s perspective: “I’m so grateful I got cancer. Most people don’t know there are this many nice people in the world until they are grown up, but because I got cancer when I was 6, I get to go my WHOLE life knowing how nice people really are.”
The Holiday Parade is on Saturday, November 25th, at 5:30 p.m., starting on Washington Blvd. at 22nd and progressing south to 27th Street. Following the parade, the Christmas Village Opening Gala at 6:30 p.m. on the Ogden Amphitheater Stage will mark the official start of the 2023 season. Logan, joined by Santa and other special guests, will light up Christmas Village with a spectacular fireworks display, concluding the evening’s festivities.
This year’s celebration symbolizes resilience, community support, and the spirit of the holiday season, exemplified by Logan’s inspirational journey.
