By
Ben Rayner, Sound
Senior Staff Writer:
BRANFORD:
Branford
Park & Recreation Department invites everyone to join in the fun and
celebrate the holiday season at Branford’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting &
Parade on Saturday, Nov. 29. This year’s parade marshal is Bill Van Wilgen of
Van Wilgen Garden Center.
The
Park & Recreation Department works six months, every year, to pull this
event off, according to Department Director Alex Palluzzi, Jr. Palluzzi said
with the efforts of dedicated volunteers and employees the event has slowly
developed into a fun-filled parade.
“This
has really become the most popular and most well-attended parade in Branford,”
said Palluzzi. “There is a huge volunteer spirit with this event. The Rotary,
Girl Scouts, you name it–everybody is part of this. There are lots of floats,
everybody is really getting into that. The town band, plus Santa will be
there.”
Bill
Van Wilgen is this year’s grand marshal. Most residents know the popular garden
center patriarch is afflicted with some serious health issues, but hopes to
brave the weather and be there with his traditional assortment of vehicles and
fun stuff.
“Bill
has been a big part of the parade for many years as he brings all his old
vintage tractors for the Rotarians to drive,” said Palluzzi. “Bill is grand
marshal this year and the parade really kicks off the holiday season.”
Palluzzi
said the volunteer and business efforts are the impetus behind the parade and
fun. The event in 10 years has become a local tradition, according to Palluzzi.
“The
credit really goes to people like Dale Izzo (of the Park and Recreation
Department) and Kathleen Kiernan. They really do a lot of work on this,” said
Palluzzi. “I couldn’t name them all, but there is a lot of work to pull this
off, and the people who come are the most important part.”
The Branford Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
& Parade
Date:
Saturday, Nov. 29
(Rain
date: Nov. 30)
The
parade starts at 5 p.m. at Branford
High School followed by
the tree lighting. Organizers welcome everyone to line the parade route and
march with them as the parade passes through the center of town.
Please
bring a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy to benefit Branford. Items
will be collected by the center merchants.
10
a.m. to 9 p.m. Holiday
shopping at town merchants
5
p.m. Parade starts at Branford High School
5:45
p.m. Tree Lighting.
5:45
to 6:15 p.m. Visits with Santa, Mrs.
Claus, and Rudolph. Bring your camera.
Look
for The Sound Holiday Song Book, distributed at town locations and at the
parade. For info, call 203-488-8304 or visit www.branford-ct.gov.