15th annual Parade of Lights in Medina expected to be biggest ever
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Metz family in Medina won the grand prize in Medina’s Parade of Lights last year, the second straight year the family took the top prize in the parade. The Metz float had 15,000 lights and tried to depict National Lampoon’s Vacation including “Cousin Eddie” from the movie.
MEDINA – The 15th annual Medina Parade of Lights will have more than 40 entries including 18 first-time participants, said Jim Hancock, parade chairman.
“The will probably be our biggest parade ever,” Hancock. “We got them from all over – Gasport, Middleport, Webster, Wheatfield and Oakfield. I’m just amazed. It’s going to be really great.”
The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue and works it way to downtown Medina.
Before the parade, the community Christmas tree will be lighted at 5:30 by parade grand marshal Todd Bensley. There will be fireworks at 5:45.
Prime Time Brass will perform in the downtown at the four corners while the crowd waits for the floats to arrive.
“It will be great parade this year,” Hancock said. “It’s going to be something.”
He thanked Assembly Steve Hawley for being the emcee for 12 years, and the Medina Department of Public Works, the Fire Department and the Police Department for all of their work to make the event a success.
The Medina Fire Department heads down Main Street with the a big crowd gathered to watch the annual parade last year on Nov. 26, 2022.
The parade is part of Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration. The activities begin at 9 a.m. with a 5K where many of the runners typically wear costumes of Christmas characters.
There is another parade at 11:30 a.m. and that “Pets on Parades” also has its biggest turnout for entries. Hancock said. That route starts at the Medina Historical Society and Ridgeway Town Hall on West Avenue and heads down Pearl Street and then to main Street in the downtown.
Santa will be at the end of that parade and will be in downtown Medina around noon.
Many of the businesses and organizations will be hosting events during the day. Click here to see the full schedule of activities.
There will also be the 7th annual Parade of Lights Toy Drive from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Canalside Tattoo Company, at 540 Main St.
