NORWICH – The weather outside was frightful but the 2018 Parade of Lights was nevertheless delightful, this year featuring 64 floats illuminating downtown Norwich.

Parade of Lights coordinator Mike McCormack said, "It was great. The people that spent hours and hours of work on this, no rain was going to slow them down."

Although participation was down from last year's record parade with 88 participants, McCormack said this year's parade was a success in spite of the inclement weather, which ultimately prevented 11 would-be participants from making it to the parade. He said luckily the rain slowed to a light sprinkle just before the parade began.

Another challenge presented by the rainy weather, McCormack said, was organizers didn't have time to find cover for this year's performer of the Star Spangled Banner, Jes Sheldon.