NEWBURYPORT — Donner, Dasher and Vixen have grown accustomed to guiding Santa's sleigh through the cold winter night. Here in Newburyport, the city gives the faithful reindeer the night off and lets the Coast Guard escort the jolly old man.
With the city's Christmas tree firmly in place, it is time to begin ringing in the holiday season with Newburyport's 36th annual Santa Parade, scheduled for tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.
"This definitely kicks off the holiday season," Ann Ormond, Newburyport Chamber of Commerce president said. "Thursday was a day of giving thanks, and the parade will be a day to look forward."
This year's Santa Parade will feature Newburyport's holiday traditions and introduce an earlier time to accommodate families and businesses. The Chamber of Commerce and parade co-sponsor the Rotary Club decided for safety and the well-being of young children, Santa would arrive at the waterfront boardwalk at 2:30 p.m., about an hour and a half earlier than in prior years.
"There are a lot of people in Market Square, and we decided it would be a good idea to move it ahead," Ormond said.
Last year Ormond remembers temperatures teetering at the mid-30's level and it becoming dark increasingly quickly. After leading the sing-along. the Director of Newburyport High School's marching band approached her about issues with musicians reading their notes.
"With the band and over 2,500 people gathering downtown, I think the earlier time will make it safer for everyone," Ormond said.
So far, the weather looks clear for Santa's Sunday landing with weather.com estimating temperatures in the mid-40's and the skies being only partly cloudy.
"The earlier time will make it better for families," said Grace Connolly, last year's Rotary Club president.
The time change and the large crowd may also help restaurants and stores downtown receive an early holiday shopping push. Ormond notes the Chamber and Rotary Club did not switch the time to benefit downtown businesses but hopes it will inadvertently aid them.
"It would be great if people stayed and ate dinner or walked into shops for presents," Ormond said.
One thing remains true over the years: The Santa Parade brings Newburyport's old-time atmosphere alive. Every year the high school's band helps lead the procession to Market Square and the Interact Club dresses up as wide range of children's characters. Shrek, Mickey Mouse and elves will all be seen dancing toward the square handing out candy to young children.
"For the kids the parade is just magical," Connolly said.
Connolly attended the annual parade when her children were young and volunteered for years prior to joining the Rotary Club and helping plan it. Attending the parade as a patron, volunteer and planner, she received the honor of riding on the Coast Guard boat last year.
"Seeing the kids looking over the boardwalk and yelling toward the boat was so wonderful," Connolly said. "It was my first year seeing the parade from that vantage point, and I loved it."
If You Go:
Santa will arrive at the boardwalk at approximately 2:30 p.m. Following Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival, marching bands, characters and elves will lead the procession to Market Square for carols and a 3:45 p.m. tree lighting.
The parade route begins on the waterfront, proceeds through Market Square, State Street, Pleasant Street, Green Street, Merrimac Street, and ends at Market Square.
Tip: The crowds are heaviest around Market Square and almost nonexistent on Pleasant and Green streets. If you have a hard time finding space on the curb, head to Pleasant or Green.
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