In a press release late last week, Ogden City announced that this year’s parade Grand Marshal will be 7-year-old Remington Jones. Remington was chosen through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Regina Esparza — marketing and communications coordinator for Ogden City Arts, Culture & Events — told the Standard-Examiner in an email Tuesday they are excited to have Remington lead the parade this year.

“He’s a great kid and can’t wait to be part of the fun,” Esparza said. “We told him to make sure his friends and family come out to cheer him on, it’s going to be a special day! Our amazing community of small businesses has come together to create an incredible float for the parade. We can’t wait to see Remington’s face on Saturday.”

The release notes that several businesses have come together to help out.

“Each year, generous businesses offer their support to help make the event special for the child being honored,” the release said. “This year, the theme is fit for a superhero. Thanks to local businesses, including Rhino Linings, Minky Couture, Dillard’s, Tona Sushi, Empyre Barbershop, Lawnscape, Wasatch Roasting Company, Regeneration Health, and Affect Beard, as well as Ogden City, for the wonderful gifts and experiences donated to Remington and his family during this special event.”

“As a family-owned business, we believe deeply in giving back to the community that supports us,” Isaiah & Melissa Salazar, owners of Rhino Linings Ogden said in the release. “The Make-A-Wish float is a special way for our team to come together and create something meaningful for a child and their family.”

According to the press release — in a section written by his parents — Remington previously loved playing basketball. However, a year and a half ago, he began getting sick. He was eventually diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis with Macrophage Activation Syndrome.

“This meant that his autoimmune condition could be fatal, as it makes your body attack all your major organs,” the release said. “Remington had to take shots that were very painful daily, along with many other medications. He also had to travel to Primary’s for months to get very high doses of steroids via IV. He is still ongoing with autoimmune treatment.”

Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski said Remington is a lot like the city of Ogden itself.

“Remington’s courage and spirit embody the resilience of our city,” Nadolski said. “We’re honored to have him lead this year’s parade and festivities. His strength and joy, in the face of challenge, remind us what the holiday season is truly about — hope, thanks and celebrating together as one Ogden family.”

Ogden’s Holiday Electric Light Parade is set for Saturday. Festivities begin with the Santa 5K run at 4:30 p.m. The parade itself will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will run south on Washington Boulevard from 22nd Street to 27th Street. This will be followed by the opening ceremony for Christmas Village at 6:30 p.m., during which Remington will have a big role. Remington, Santa Claus and other guests will flip the switch on the village’s lights. This will be followed by a fireworks show.

For more information on this year’s Holiday Electric Light Parade and to read more about Remington’s story, visit https://www.ogdencity.gov/852/Holiday-Electric-Light-Parade.

For more information on this year’s Christmas Village festivities and entertainment, visit https://www.ogdencity.gov/452/Christmas-Village.