Santa Parade and Christmas Lighting Awards
A Great Day for the Santa Parade and the Awards Ceremony for the Christmas Lighting Contest
VIDEO: Santa Parade passing Town Hall
On Saturday December 16th, with an escort of two Allenstown police cruisers leading Santa's sleigh and four Fire Dept. vehicles, the Santa Parade toured the entire downtown region from Bear View Crossing down to 25 Canal Street and arrived at Town Hall for the Christmas Lighting Contest's Awards Ceremony.
This event started at the Allenstown Police Station at 1:00 p.m. and traveled with sirens whining, horns blaring, and lights flashing while Santa and his elves handed out candy to children waiting along the route. Ron Adinolfo (EDC member and Fire Dept. EMT) was riding shotgun in the lead cruiser and giving turn by turn directions. In the sleigh were Michael Landers (Santa), Nancy Beaulieu (elf), and Dustin Shelly (elf), with Michael Lanaise as sleigh driver. Santa's entourage pulled in next to Town Hall shortly after 2:30 p.m.
Of special note was the stop they made at Hillsbrook Village on Chester Turnpike to briefly visit its residents who were thrilled to meet Santa and his elves.
Santa and elves - photos courtesy of Hillsbrook Village
Santa at Hillsbrook Village - Preceding photos courtesy of Ron Adinolfo
Christmas Lighting Awards Ceremony
At Town Hall, an enthusiastic crowd of about 40-50 residents came for the Christmas Light festivities on Dec. 16th. The weather was remarkably mild in the upper 40s.
A burn barrel was set up for a little warmth (thanks to our friends at the Highway Dept.). The ARD Student Council set up tables by the Gazebo and sold cookies, brownies, and hot chocolate. People partook of the refreshments while waiting for the Santa Parade to arrive.
We had a great time together, mingling and enjoying the mild afternoon weather. After arriving at Town Hall and posing for group photos, Santa and the elves, police officers, and firefighters mingled with the attendees.
The following photos are courtesy of Michael Frascinella
Parade vehicles parked along Library St.
Crew for the Santa Parade
Crew for the Santa Parade
ARD Student Council sold hot chocolate and pastries
About 40- 50 people attended the event
EDC leaders Lisa Lemire and Michael Frascinella announced and handed out the awards and trophies. The winners can be found on the town web site.
► Christmas Lighting Contest winners
The trophies - photo courtesy of Lisa Lemire
After that they led the audience in singing several Christmas carols. At the end of the event, they wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
What You Can Do
Let's plan on doing this again next year!
[This story was originally published on allenstown-alt.org]