Chamber Unveils Holiday Parade Theme

It’s beginning to “sound” a lot like… chestnuts roasting on an open fire, sleigh bells ringing, glasses clinking, children laughing and swans a singing!

What are your favorite sounds and songs of the season? The Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2012 Holiday Parade Theme: “Songs and Sounds of the Holiday Season”.

This parade theme was submitted by Melissa Folini of Chester. She emailed her ideas to the Chamber after reading about the contest in the Derry News. She will receive a customized basket full of goodies provided by chamber members just in time for the holiday!

This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 24, and will once again feature marching bands, civic leaders and of course, floats. The Holiday Parade Committee invites local business owners, charitable institutions and schools to register their float (or band) for participation. The only restriction for the floats is that you may not use Santa Claus on any float, as he and Mrs. Claus will be featured at the end of the parade.

The parade, which has been traditionally held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, also coincides with Small Business Saturday. Recognizing that downtown will be a bustle with parade goers and potential Christmas shoppers the Chamber of Commerce is working with downtown merchants to provide a little “Something Extra” this year. In addition, a wreath walk will take place inside the Chamber offices (located at the Adam’s Memorial Building, with uniquely decorated wreaths donated by local businesses. The “silent auction” style event will be open to the public the week prior to, and following the parade. Proceeds raised from the “auction” of wreaths will be donated to the Santa Fund. 

The parade float line-up will begin on Main Street at 11:30 AM, with the event kicking off at 1:00 PM. If you wish to sponsor a banner in the parade, or need additional information about float registration please contact the Chamber office at 603-432-8205 or by emailing info@gdlchamber.org. Entries also can be faxed to 432-7938 or mailed to the Greater Derry/Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, 29 W. Broadway, Derry, 03038.

Submitted by the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.