Parade of Lights marches up Broad Street Saturday
NORWICH – What’s the holiday season without few thousand lights to help usher it in?
In spite of less than expected participation from community organizations this year, the 19th annual Parade of Lights promises to be as bright as ever, said parade coordinator Mike McCormack, with more than 60 floats, hundreds of participants and countless light bulbs slated to take Broad Street by storm on Saturday.
“Participants have told me that it is one of the most organized and fun parades to be part of year after year,” said McCormack, who is organizing the parade for the third consecutive year. “Our mission every year is to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s always a great way to start the holidays.”
Entertainment this year – sponsored by the Pennysaver, The Evening Sun, the Norwich Fire Department, Norwich Merchants Association and the Norwich Business Improvement District – kicks off at 5:30 p.m. downtown, the heart of the city, when country vocalist Kaitlyn Jackson takes the spotlight on the East Park stage prior to the start of the parade.
The parade itself and all the music, lights, clowns and costumed characters – and of course, Santa Clause – steps off at 6:15 p.m. from the corner of Eaton Avenue and will make its way up South Broad Street before reaching the stopping point at the parking lot of the Howard Johnson Hotel. There will also be photo opportunities with Santa in East Park after the parade, along with free coloring books and gifts for children.
Last year, 35 floats, seven cars, seven fire engines, two trucks, two bands, two entertainers and eight organizations haling from all over the county marched the quarter-mile stretch in a seasonable snowstorm that only added to the fun and magic of the night, McCormack recalled. While weather conditions are out of the hands of parade organizers, the magic will be there regardless, he added.
“The (parade) committee tries to add something new every year. It can even be as simple as two years ago, when we had the Norwich Post Office in the parade, which was the first time they had participated,” said McCormack. “This year, weather permitting, we will have the motorcycles from the New York State Troopers in the parade.”
In addition, the Toys for Tots collection vehicle will make a special appearance. Parade goers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to toss into the collection bin as it rolls by.
The parade committee had hoped for fireworks and post parade entertainment as well; but given the lack of donations, it was a goal that proved unachievable. Nonetheless, “I’m optimistic,” McCormack said.
“The parade is a holiday tradition here in Norwich,” observed Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino. Each year, the NPD is actively involved with the parade, from leading participants down the parade route to jumping through the legal hoops to temporarily close stater Rout 12 for the once-a-year spectacle. “Our community families plan their holiday gatherings around this event.”
Said Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo, who also has a hand in overseeing safety at the parade, “This is an event that our entire community should be proud of. It has brought happiness to our community year after year.”
More information on the annual Parade of Lights can be seen on a special front page of this week’s Pennysaver.
In spite of less than expected participation from community organizations this year, the 19th annual Parade of Lights promises to be as bright as ever, said parade coordinator Mike McCormack, with more than 60 floats, hundreds of participants and countless light bulbs slated to take Broad Street by storm on Saturday.
“Participants have told me that it is one of the most organized and fun parades to be part of year after year,” said McCormack, who is organizing the parade for the third consecutive year. “Our mission every year is to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s always a great way to start the holidays.”
Entertainment this year – sponsored by the Pennysaver, The Evening Sun, the Norwich Fire Department, Norwich Merchants Association and the Norwich Business Improvement District – kicks off at 5:30 p.m. downtown, the heart of the city, when country vocalist Kaitlyn Jackson takes the spotlight on the East Park stage prior to the start of the parade.
The parade itself and all the music, lights, clowns and costumed characters – and of course, Santa Clause – steps off at 6:15 p.m. from the corner of Eaton Avenue and will make its way up South Broad Street before reaching the stopping point at the parking lot of the Howard Johnson Hotel. There will also be photo opportunities with Santa in East Park after the parade, along with free coloring books and gifts for children.
Last year, 35 floats, seven cars, seven fire engines, two trucks, two bands, two entertainers and eight organizations haling from all over the county marched the quarter-mile stretch in a seasonable snowstorm that only added to the fun and magic of the night, McCormack recalled. While weather conditions are out of the hands of parade organizers, the magic will be there regardless, he added.
“The (parade) committee tries to add something new every year. It can even be as simple as two years ago, when we had the Norwich Post Office in the parade, which was the first time they had participated,” said McCormack. “This year, weather permitting, we will have the motorcycles from the New York State Troopers in the parade.”
In addition, the Toys for Tots collection vehicle will make a special appearance. Parade goers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to toss into the collection bin as it rolls by.
The parade committee had hoped for fireworks and post parade entertainment as well; but given the lack of donations, it was a goal that proved unachievable. Nonetheless, “I’m optimistic,” McCormack said.
“The parade is a holiday tradition here in Norwich,” observed Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino. Each year, the NPD is actively involved with the parade, from leading participants down the parade route to jumping through the legal hoops to temporarily close stater Rout 12 for the once-a-year spectacle. “Our community families plan their holiday gatherings around this event.”
Said Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo, who also has a hand in overseeing safety at the parade, “This is an event that our entire community should be proud of. It has brought happiness to our community year after year.”
More information on the annual Parade of Lights can be seen on a special front page of this week’s Pennysaver.
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