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City of Lights Parade - "Let the Illumination Begin!!"

What Parade
When 2007-11-24
from 04:30 pm to 06:15 pm
Where Downtown Lowell
Contact Name Diane Bujnowski
Contact Phone 978-970-4040
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With the holiday season fast approaching, the annual City of Lights Parade is in high gear and ready to kick off the holiday season. The regions’ premier parade is presented by the City of Lowell through a collaboration of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, Greater Lowell Convention & Visitors Bureau, COOL, Downtown Lowell Business Association, Festival Foundation, and Lowell National Park Service.

On Saturday, November 24th the parade will once again be stepping out from Jackson Street at 4:30PM and culminate at City Hall, where along with the traditional lighting of the J.F. K. Plaza and the Wannalancit smoke stack Christmas tree will be the illumination of the “Winterfest 2008” countdown clock.  Watch for the lighting of the annual Christmas tree in front of City Hall.

Santa Claus and Mayor Martin will turn the switch to light City Hall, adding to more than 100,000 lights, which will glow throughout the downtown area.  The ever popular, parade traditionally entertains well over 30,000 revelers encompassing more than 70 regional groups including the Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corp, Manchester, NH and the Boston City Band, costumed characters, bands, clowns and an assortment of illuminated floats. All floats should be lined up no later than 2PM for judging, which will take place at 3:30PM.  These floats are awarded in one of the following categories, Mayor’s Award:  Best of Parade, Most Festive and City Manager’s Community Organization Award.  Delicious hot chocolate and other refreshments will be available at City Hall Square.

Mayor Bill Martin added, “The City of Lights Parade has become a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and put everyone in a festive mood.” 

“It is an honor to be chosen as Grand Marshall of this year’s 2007 City of Lights Parade.  The parade is a wonderful holiday tradition and an example of why Lowell is a destination city”, said Bill Samaras.”

“We are thrilled to have Bill Samaras as our Honorary Grand Marshall this year; he has been so instrumental over the years in making Lowell High School what it is today”, said Mayor Martin.   

Please join us at City Hall, Mayor’s Reception Room for a Press Conference on Friday, November 16th at 10AM.

Lowla on Her FloatSchedule of Events

2:00PM to 4:00PM - Free Trolley ride from Mack Plaza (corner of Market and Dutton Streets)

3:30PM - Judging of Floats on Jackson Street

4:30PM - Parade kicks off at the corner of Jackson and Central Streets

6:00PM - Lighting Ceremony (City Hall)

6:15PM - Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (inside City Hall Lobby)

7:00PM - Concert at St. Anne's Church


Parking:

Downes Parking Garage, located on John St. - FREE
Leo Roy Parking Garage, located on Market St. - FREE
National Park Visitor Center Parking Lot - FREE

Street Closings:

Central St., Merrimack St. and Arcand Drive will be closed at 3:30PM
There is no parking on Merrimack Street, starting at 2:00PM