NORICH – The annual winter festival is about to see big changes – organizers are hoping for some bright changes this year: the festival parade is rescheduled for the first time to Saturday night, December 3rd, with a parade of lights down the city’s main street. .
The Winter Festival kicks off the night before with the 31st annual City Hall Lighting Event on Friday, December 2 from 5pm to 6pm, with live music, performances, entertainment for the kids and the arrival of Santa Claus to lead the countdown to the Christmas tree. lights in the town hall. and Plaza.
The directors of the Winter Fest Norwich Events Organization said they have been discussing for years moving the annual parade into the evening to become a parade of lights, encouraging groups of people to decorate their floats with torches. As the region emerged from the gloom of the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided it was time for a parade of lights.
“What a great topic?” Norwich Organization treasurer Miriya Gray recalls of planning meetings in September. “When you think of Christmas lights, you think of the National Lampoon Christmas House.”
Floats and parade participants will compete, and prizes will be awarded in several decoration categories.
“We just wanted to bring something new and different to the community,” said festival committee co-chair Sonia Buccheri. “It was a great year for change. It fits perfectly with the theme of the headlights.”
As the parade time shifts, there will be a street festival before the parade. The festival starts at 4:00 pm, the streets are closed to vendors, food trucks and pedestrians. Activities for children will take place in the parking lot on Franklin Street across from Foundry 66, while Wally World Children’s Playground Village will be located in Castle Church Jubilee Park, a little further down Broadway.
Led by recently retired Norwich Gazette photographer Marshal John Shishmanian, the parade will begin at 6:00 pm along a narrow route through the streets of the city center, starting from the main building in front of the Otis Library. , turn left on Willow Street, turn left on Broadway in front of City Hall, continue on Broadway, turn left on Main Street, end at the beginning past the Otis Library.
Gray said the council has heard some “opposition” to the shorter route, but it will focus the festival downtown where attendees can dine at local restaurants, join the street festival and watch the parade. Some businesses will give away free hot chocolate.
After the parade, the Castle Chapel will host a free screening of the “National Lampoon Christmas Party” inside the chapel.
All activities are free. Following the lighting ceremony, the First Friday events will continue downtown with the opening of an art gallery.
Post time: Nov-29-2022