Groton Opens Registration For First Holiday Lights Parade And Tree Lighting

Groton’s inaugural Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Festival will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, the City of Groton announced. Presented by LEGS Landscaping and CYT Mystic, the free celebration begins with a parade at 5 p.m. and tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.

The parade starts at Groton Heights Baptist Church, 72 Broad St., follows Monument Street and Meridian Street, and ends at the City of Groton Municipal Building parking lot, 295 Meridian St. The inclement weather date is Sunday, Dec. 6.

The municipal building festival will feature hot chocolate, other warm beverages, treats, music and entertainment for all ages. Santa will arrive by firetruck, with photos afterward until about 7 p.m. The city’s registration schedule lists parade activities from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and municipal building activities from 6 to 8 p.m.

Local businesses, organizations, clubs and community groups can enter decorated floats, vehicles or marching groups for free. Participants must register online by Wednesday, Nov. 18, providing contact information and entry details. The registration page lists maximum enrollment as 30, and approved entries will receive final instructions the week before the parade.

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food or a new, unwrapped toy. Donations will support the City of Groton Police Department’s Stuff a Cruiser event on Sunday, Dec. 6, helping local families celebrate the holidays.

City agenda materials for Monday, Oct. 26, describe a $5,000 sponsorship check from LEGS Landscaping and a proposal to accept it. Those materials do not establish whether the council approved acceptance.

The sponsorship deadline is Monday, Nov. 2, according to the city’s sponsorship flyer. Sponsors contributing at least $250 may host a community partner table at the festival and are encouraged to offer a family-friendly craft or interactive activity. Send sponsorship inquiries or parade questions to mo@cityofgroton-ct.gov.

Sources:

• “Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Festival presented by LEGS Landscaping & CYT Mystic” (cityofgroton.com)
• “Agenda Center • Mayor and Council” (cityofgroton.com)
• “Agenda Center • Committee of the Whole” (cityofgroton.com)