Dallas Holiday Parade Committee

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Costume Characters

My name is Katie Schutz and I'm currently an accounting manager at Rudick Construction Group in Dallas. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Taxation. I obtained my certification in public accounting in 2019 and worked in public accounting for over six years before making the move to the construction industry. 

Director of Clowns

Even though I was born in New Jersey, I consider myself a Texan after living here for over 40 years now.  I graduated high school in 1986 from Plano Senior High and later received a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Merchandising from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1991.  

I was in the fashion industry for 15 years until 2006 when I started my own business as a Professional Organizer. 

One of my absolute favorite days of the year has always been the first Saturday in December… Dallas Holiday Parade Day!!! 

I first volunteered in 1997 as a Bleacher Host, then stumbled upon the parade clowning world and honestly never looked back.  First a Banner Clown, then a Street Clown, until I worked up the nerve to be a Pooper Scooper Clown.  20 years later I am still part of the Pooper Scooper Squad and some may even call me the # 2, Number 2.  

Director of Main Street Gardens

Jessica Simpson is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, minor in Anthropology, and certificate in Jewish and Israel Studies. She currently works as an Intellectual Property Paralegal at Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP, and is excited to return as the Director of Main Street Gardens for the second year. As Jeffrey Giles’s niece, she has had a front row seat in the parade planning and preparation for nearly 2 decades, and is thrilled to finally get to play a part!