NORWICH – With just 52 days remaining before the 2016 Norwich Community Parade of Lights, and just 81 days before Christmas, it is time for those planning to participate in the parade to get their ducks in a row.
“The parade has actually been around since the 80’s when it was presented by the Norwich Merchant’s Association and took place the Friday morning after Thanksgiving”, stated Richard Snyder President of Snyder Communications. 22 years ago The Evening Sun and the Pennysaver took over responsibility for the event and it has been going strong ever since but with a significant change. About 12 years ago, at the suggestion of the Norwich Fire Department Chief at the time, the parade was moved to Saturday Evening after Thanksgiving. His suggestion was also to make it a Festival of Lights Parade with strong participation from all of the fire departments in the area”, continued Snyder. And that appears to have been a very winning formula.
“We love doing it and the community looks forward to it every year,” said Parade Coordinator Mike McCormack.
Each year a solid group of local merchants, Fire Departments, and organizations participate in the parade that fills downtown Norwich with children and their families.
McCormack explained that costs are continuing to escalate to keep the parade afloat, and such costs include dramatic increases in (rising) insurance costs to cover the event, police overtime, city permits, state permits, entertainment sound systems, costumes and giveaways.
McCormack extended his gratitude to those who support the parade each year.
“These donations help to defray some of the cost and Snyder Communications then makes up the difference each year,” said McCormack.
“We are hoping that the community can help support this event and keep is going,” said McCormack.
Testimonials from past parades come from Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo, retired Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino, and 2011 Grand Marshal the late Linda Green.
“This is an event that our entire community should be proud of,” said Chawgo. “It has brought happiness to our community year after year.”
Retired Chief Angelino said, “The parade is a holiday tradition here in Norwich, our community families plan their holiday gatherings around this event.”
2011 Grand Marshal Linda Green had said, “For my 16 years coordinating the parade, I have seen the parade bring smiles to children of all ages.”
For those who would like to participate in the parade, organizers are looking for dancers, musical groups, bands, colorguards, motorcycles, county-wide police and fire departments, floats, and individuals to adorn themselves in lights.
There is set to be three categories for prizes: floats, fire department equipment and children.
Judging is based upon originality of design, visual excitement, best use of lights, and effectiveness in communication of theme.
As the parade is 100 percent funded by donations, there is no donation or fee required to participate in the parade.
A participation entry form is available in most editions of The Evening Sun.
A donation form is additionally in The Evening Sun.
Anyone with questions regarding the 2016 Community Parade of Lights can email holidayparade@pennysaveronline.com.