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Parade celebrates 30th year

By LYDIA WHEELER lwheeler@poststar.com | Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009 7:50 pm | (1) Comments

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T.J. HOOKER T.J. Hooker-thooker@poststar.com Barks The Clown marches on stilts next to the Sunkiss Ballooning and Friend float in the 30th annual South Glens Falls Holiday Parade on Sunday, November 22, 2009.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS -- The weekend before Thanksgiving, tens of thousands of people packed onto the sidewalks, grass and local establishments of Main Street to watch a holiday tradition.

This Sunday marked the 30th annual Holiday Parade. The theme, holiday traditions, was evident as floats depicting the classic movie, "A Christmas Story," passed by while bands played "Jingle Bells."

But the parade also started some new traditions, thanks to sponsor Glens Falls National Bank, which added a second beneficiary.

Each year, parade participants and spectators are asked to bring toy donations for the Memorial Detachment No. 2 of the Marine Corps League Toys for Tots. In addition to toys, parade-goers were asked this year to bring nonperishable food items for the Tri-County United Way’s Live United Program, which helps local food pantries.

Glens Falls National Bank Vice President Rick Leonelli said the bank decided to sponsor the parade as a way to get more involved in the community.

"We looked at the parade and realized it draws 20,000 to 25,000 people — and that’s something we want to be a part of as a member of a strong community," Leonelli said.

Aside from adding the United Way as a beneficiary, Leonelli said the bank also moved the viewing stand more toward the middle of South Glens Falls by village hall and added a pre-parade activity.

Before the parade’s 1 p.m. start, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with children at the South Glens Falls Glens Falls National Bank branch along with a pair of live reindeer.

The parade included more that 100 participants, from floats, school bands, fire departments, clowns and Santa Claus.

After 30 years, spectator Albert Brownell said the parade has only gotten bigger and better.

Brownell said he’s been to several South Glens Falls holiday parades over the years, and the weekend before Thanksgiving is the perfect time to have it.

"It is cold, but you got to expect the cold weather," he said.

The parade, which runs for almost two hours, is a staple of the South Glens Falls community, many said.

"It’s tradition in this town. It’s a small town and everyone comes out to support it," said Linda Riggi of South Glens Falls.

Others watching the parade on Sunday, such as Alice Burgess of South Glens Falls, said the parade is a good way to support the Marines and bring people of all ages together.

"It’s just nice to have everyone, young and old, involved in something that’s fun," she said.

Posted in Local on Sunday, November 22, 2009 7:50 pm Updated: 7:40 am. | Tags:

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