Children's Holiday Parade and Fall River Tree Lighting Celebration: Know before you go
FALL RIVER — It’s about to get very holly jolly in the city.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, get ready to celebrate the Children’s Holiday Parade, followed by Fall River’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration.
The city is going to be packed with music, crowds, colorful characters, and, later, warm, cozy lights.
There’s still time to sign up to participate in this year’s parade as well.
At the tree lighting, there will be photos with Santa, face painting, giveaways, and much more.
Plus, hot cocoa!
Before the Children’s Holiday Parade steps off, and before the tree is lit at Government Center, here’s everything you need to know before you go:
When is the Children’s Holiday Parade?
The 39th annual Children’s Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2.
“We’re extremely excited to kick off the holiday season with our 39th annual Children’s Holiday Parade,” said Greater Fall River RE-CREATION Director Grace Gerling.
What time does the parade begin?
The parade steps off at 1 p.m.
What is the parade route?
The parade begins at Kennedy Park, travels down South Main Street, and ends at the corner of Central and Bedford streets.
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Where should people marching in the parade check in?
Marchers should check in at the parade tent at the corner of Bradford Avenue and South Main Street, no later than 11:30 a.m.
Where do floats and large vehicles check in?
Floats and large vehicles should check in no later than 10 a.m., at the corner of Bradford Avenue and Broadway.
Will there be road closures?
Broadway, from Bradford Avenue to Middle Street, will close to traffic at 10:30 a.m.
Who is participating in this year’s parade?
As of this writing, Gerling said the parade had 11 bands, 20 floats, and four different types of balloons this year in the parade.
There will be a number of high school bands, both local and from throughout New England, as well as other participants from Greater Fall River schools.
Gerling noted that the parade has “full participation” from Fall River’s public schools.
“So every single school is participating in some way, which is very exciting,” Gerling said.
Local fire and police departments will also be taking part in the parade.
Also appearing will be: bagpipe bands, drum and bugle corps, and brass bands.
“One of our highlight bands is The Saints Brigade, that comes from Port Chester, New York,” Gerling said. “They are an 85-person band.”
Plus, among the giant parade balloons, decorated floats and large vehicles, there will be costumed characters, and so much more!
“It’s really all about the kids,” Gerling said, “and making sure they have a fun time, either in the parade marching, or actually viewing it.”
How to sign up for the parade
Fill out a form here to participate: https://gfrrec.org/parade.
More information and updates on the Children’s Holiday Parade
For more information, as well as the latest updates:
Follow Greater Fall River RE-CREATION on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterfallriverrec.
Keep up with the Facebook event page: https://tinyurl.com/33eyc9rk.
For more information, visit www.gfrREC.org/parade.
For questions, call 508-679-0922 or send an email to gfrrec@gfrrec.org.
When is the 2023 Tree Lighting Celebration?
The 2023 Tree Lighting Celebration will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, following the annual Children’s Holiday Parade. The event is from 3 to 5 p.m., with the tree lighting around 4:15 p.m.
Where will the lighting be held?
The lighting takes place downtown at Government Center.
Admission
The tree lighting is free to attend. It’s sponsored by Mechanics Cooperative Bank.
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Will there be activities and food?
There will be lots of activities, as well as food.
Take photos with Santa! There will also be airbrush tattoos, face painting, crafts and games, and giveaways.
Circus Dynamics will perform at 3:15 p.m., and DJ Eric Juice will also be there to provide entertainment.
Enjoy hot cocoa (donated by Mongeon Dunkin Group) and soup (donated by Blount Soups).
There will also be food trucks: Pops Brick Oven Pizza; Green Jar Cocina; Black Dog Donuts; Fancheezical; and Bun Buds.
Who donated this year’s tree?
This year’s tree was donated by Fall River resident Raymond Carreiro.
Who will be in attendance?
Special guests will join Mayor Paul Coogan to light the tree.
For more information and updates about the Tree Lighting Celebration
For more information, as well as the latest updates, follow the Tree Lighting Celebration’s Facebook event page, or contact Mayor Paul Coogan’s Office at 508-324-2600.
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: 39th annual Children's Holiday Parade; 2023 Tree Lighting in Fall River
