For Dean Transportation teams across Michigan, holiday parades are more than a seasonal event — they’re a way to connect with the community and celebrate together. Each year, offices transform school buses into festive displays, creating a tradition that combines teamwork, creativity and holiday spirit.
Behind the Scenes
How many people does it take to decorate a school bus? It depends! Some Dean Transportation offices have a small team that decorates, but at the Lansing office, more than 20 employees and family members volunteer on a Saturday to get the bus parade-worthy. The process usually takes about six to seven hours, and at the end, the bus is glowing with more than 5,000 lights!
This year, the Lansing bus got an upgrade with programmable lights that displayed a scrolling “Dean” across the bus! Since 2017, Lansing has proudly participated in the Silver Bells Electric Light Parade in downtown Lansing, and this special bus often travels to other Dean locations to join multiple parades throughout the season.
Parade Day
When parade day arrives, the fun continues! Team members show up ready to celebrate, often in festive costumes. At Silver Bells, volunteers who helped decorate are entered into a drawing for the chance to ride the bus during the parade.
At the Trenton/Southgate office, the bus is transformed into a Golden Ticket Bus. Ten students from each elementary school are selected to ride due to their safe, respectful and responsible behavior, and each receives a golden chocolate bar as they board.
Awards
Many holiday parades select winners across various categories, and the Dean Transportation team has proudly received recognition across the state for its festive buses. In 2025, the Mt. Pleasant/St. Louis team won Most Lights at the Mt. Pleasant Lighted Christmas Parade, and the Marysville crew took home the Children’s Award for its holiday display in Marysville Park.
But whether the teams take home a trophy or not, the real reward is the camaraderie, community cheer and the chance to celebrate together. Every parade is a reminder that at Dean Transportation, teamwork and holiday spirit go hand in hand.
