NORWICH – The annual “Christmas to Remember” Parade of Lights will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Norwich parade route will begin at Eaton Avenue and continue North toward Fair Street.
More than 24 floats and over 50 units will make the trek down Broad Street, including fire trucks, bands and marchers. This year’s parade will feature the City of Syracuse Marching Band, the Highland Pipe Band, and newcomers, the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band from Binghamton.
“Everyone loves the pipe band. They’re a delightful part of the parade,” said parade organizer Linda Green. The Norwich High School marching band will lead the parade again this year.
Horses and mini-ponies will be pulling decorated carts through the streets. The East River Riders will be in attendance, and Mayor Joseph P. Maiurano and his family will ride in a carriage pulled by the Whiting Hill Percherons.
This year, the parade will include fire departments from more surrounding areas than ever before. Clowns will be entertaining the crowds and candy and coloring books will be given to the children. A special appearance by Santa Claus at the end of the parade is sure to delight the young and the young at heart.
This year, kids will be able to enter a drawing with the chance to win one of four 20-inch bicycles. Interested parties can sign-up from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday in East Park. Entry forms will appear in The Pennysaver and in The Evening Sun. Extra copies will be available at the sign-up location. The drawing will be held after the parade, at the judge’s stand near Skillin’s Jewelers. Applicants must be present to win.
Prizes will be given out for the top three contestants in two categories: best fire equipment and best float. The top prize will receive $300, second place will receive $200, and third place will take home $100.