Deadline Approaching For Groton Holiday Lights Parade

The deadline to file an application to participate in the 13th Annual Groton Holiday Lights Parade is Friday, November 18. The Groton Business Association of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the parade for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

All participants must complete and submit a Notice of Intent to Participate form.  It is easy to file an application.  Simply go on-line at www.grotonbiz.com, file out the form and hit send.  There is no charge for filing an application.

The business association has decided to add a little competitive spice to this year’s parade.  There will be cash prizes for the winners of the various float categories. 

The grand prize is $500 for the Finest Illumination.  The prizes for the other categories are: $100 prize for Best Children's Entry; $100 prize for Sounds of the Season; and $100 prize for Most Original.

Immediately after the parade, Santa Claus will have the honor of lighting the holiday tree on the green at the rear of the Groton Shopping Plaza. 

Steve Elci and Friends will bring you their own special “Edu-tainment” as part of the post-parade celebration.   They provide an educational kid’s rock and roll show with an interactive presentation.

There will be free photos with Santa Claus, free hot cocoa and cookies donated by Ella T. Grasso Vocational Technical School and a small gift for kids, donated by Grader Jewelers.

The business association welcomes floats from businesses, clubs, and organizations and marchers from all groups in the community.

A special call goes out to bands and choral groups who make that special holiday music that everyone knows and loves.

Judging will take place as participants pass by Chelsea Groton Bank.