Ushering in the Holiday Season
Poughkeepsie celebrates with tree lightings, fireworks, and a parade
With the arrival of December comes the honorary beginning of the holiday season, and the Poughkeepsie wasted no time in starting the celebrations. On Friday, Dec. 2, local residents gathered along Main Street, eagerly waiting for the first of two tree lightings, which would kick off the evening’s events.
Soon enough, Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison took the podium along with the one and only Santa Claus. Except, that wouldn’t be the only Santa that attendees saw that night. There would, in fact, be many, many more. Rolison, though, told any concerned kids not to worry. The other jolly men in red suits are just “Santa’s helpers.”
Rolison also thanked the important guests in attendance, including recently elected Senator Sue Serino. Following his remarks, Santa took the mic and led the crowd in a countdown. Right on time, the large pine tree behind him lit up in all its glory.
Now it was time for the parade. or as many of the kids probably called it, Halloween 2.0. With the amount of candy thrown by most every float, car, or parade marcher, each child probably replenished all the sweets they had eaten since October 31 and then some.
Among these excited children were Jeanette Riverso’s 7-year-old twins, and Riverso continually kept a close eye to make sure they didn’t accidentally dash in front of a parade float in search of sugar. The family lives in Fishkill, and had previously attended the parade when the twins were babies.
“It’s a great event because it’s safe and it’s fun,” said Riverso.
There were of course, the traditional parade elements, including schoolchildren with homemade instruments, marching bands, and multiple local organizations.
If there was one downside to the event, it might have been the fact that one couldn’t simply pick a spot on the sidewalk and enjoy watching the parade go past. Since the second tree lighting took place at the end of the parade’s route, attendees had to follow behind the marchers and walk the entire route along with them.
It did, though, give people a chance to socialize, and the additional movement helped to warm up cold bodies. Those that made it to the end were rewarded with fireworks, although the sounds echoed around Poughkeepsie.
There are still 22 days until Christmas (and 21 days until the start of Hanukkah) but it appears Poughkeepsie is ready to get into the holiday spirit.
Check out some more pictures from the event below.
