NORWICH – Grab your hat and mittens and get ready to have your Christmas senses piqued as Chenango's hometown daily and company present the Christmas to Remember Parade of Lights.
Nothing brings holiday smiles to the many faces of Chenango quite like the glistening magic of a winter parade ushered by the king of jolly himself, and this year's grand even – being held this Saturday just after 6 p.m. – offers all that and more.
For the past twenty years The Evening Sun and Norwich Pennysaver have organized Chenango's largest holiday parade as a proud community.
This years' celebration of all things Christmas will pay homage to two local figures who have devoted many years of service to the community – Kay Zaia and Mary Lou Stewart, this year's Grand Marshals.
Over the past few years, Zaia and Stewart had tirelessly led a collaborative effort that brought a year-long centennial celebration to the community. In recognition of their efforts, parade organizers made the decision name both to the prestigious appointment.
Staying true to the Christmas spirit, the evenings activities are largely catered to the younger participants. Coloring books and gifts will be available for children in addition to the festivities. The one and only Santa Claus will make his way to his East Park igloo following the parade, and children are invited to stop in and share their wish lists.
Parade marchers, members and merchants are expected to descend upon the side streets of downtown like a light winter flurry beginning at 5:45 p.m. to position themselves at their designated spots for a 6:15 p.m. start.
With more that 50 entrants in this year's holiday parade offering, the lineup promises to be the best to date for the annual kickoff to all things holly.
Entertainment after the parade will take place following the festive procession at the East Park bandstand. This year’s performance will feature Norwich's very own Nashville recording artist Kaitlyn Jackson with father John Jackson. The Jackson duo will take to the stage at 5 p.m. and continue until 6:15 p.m.
Following the music, organizers have prepared a full fireworks presentation best viewed from the center of the city.
Spectators are encouraged to bring a new, unopened toy for collection by the Toys-for-Tots train crew who donate their time to ensure that every child in Chenango County has a merry little Christmas.
Merchants along the parade route are also adding to the enticement by offering special discounts and door prizes before and after the event, including the return of the Balloon Burst Contest. The contest – organized by the Norwich Merchants Association – will run during “Small Business Saturday” at a number of downtown storefronts. With a qualifying purchase at one of the retailers, shoppers are given a balloon to pop with a special prize inside and a chance to win the evening's grand prize to be announced at the conclusion of the parade.
Organizers indicate that this year’s parade will run the usual from Eaton Avenue to Fair Street, disbanding in the rear Howard Johnson and Municipal parking lots.
Be sure to reference the special Parade of Lights ad in today's edition of The Evening Sun for lineup locations and other information.