Groton's Holiday Lights Parade Kicks Off The Season [VIDEO]

Thousands lined Route 1 Saturday as Groton ushered in the holiday season with the 13th Annual Holiday Lights Parade. The parade, hosted by the Groton Business Association, included local police and firefighters, school bands, scouts, businesses and church groups. Children wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers lined the route, cheering and waving as marchers and floats passed by. Nathan Trinidad of Groton was there with his family for the first time. “I’m not from here originally,” he said. “We saw it advertised, and decided to come down.” The crowd was not limited to Groton. Connie and John Krauss of Ledyard attended for the second straight year. “But we’re crazy, because it’s so cold,” she said of temperatures in the low 40s. Ronald Marschat, also of Ledyard, said he enjoyed the event and the weather. “I come back because it’s a great parade,” he said. “And this is the best weather we’ve had for a few years.” Floats and marchers finished at the rear of Groton Shopping Plaza, where Santa lit a large Christmas tree and greeted children.