55 lighted floats create dazzling display in Medina
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – It was another magical Parade of Lights in Medina this evening, with the 55 floats in the 15th annual parade. That’s the most in the parade’s history.
These Girl Scouts in the Cobblestone Service Unit in Albion created a float in a Polar Express theme.
Click here to see an Orleans Hub video of the parade, fireworks and some other festivities.
The processional of floats drew several thousand people to a packed downtown.
Mahar’s Septic has been a mainstay in recent parades and was back again today with theme from National Lampoon Vacation including “Cousin Eddie” from the movie.
The drumline for the Medina Marching Band performs in the parade in front of the judges. The parade last about an hour and 15 minutes.
Burger King in Medina joined the parade for the first time and sent a message its hamburgers are superior than those at McDonalds and Wendy’s.
Blissett’s and Bennetts Boots teamed up for the “Bill setts” float celebrating the Buffalo Bills.
Schwab Farm Market and Bakery in Gasport made its debut in the parade and touted the Buffalo Bills and SnapDragon apples.
The Oakfield Fire Department was among several nearby fire departments that brought fire trucks adorned in bright lights.
Before the parade, fireworks were set off over the Erie Canal. This shows a reflection over the water in the Canal Basin.
Mrs. Claus and Santa concluded the parade and waved to the crowd =ina float created by Takeform.
Painted Sky Ranch and Mariah Meadows 4-H in Brockport brought 16 horses for the parade. The horses had red and green glitter and light-up clips on their manes and tails.
Red Rose Landscaping LLC of Tonawanda had a float with a religious message during the Christmas season.
4-H Heelers Dog Club had a colorful display for the parade.
The Eye of Oden K-9 Training in Kent brought a float and 13 dogs and handlers for the event.
The Medina Lions Club showed its pride.
Pro Hardware in Albion was a newcomer for the parade.
The Albion FFA had lots of fun on the parade route despite temperatures just above freezing.
Calvary Tabernacle had a scary Grinch in its float with a message: “You Shall Not Steal.”
The Roy-Hart FFA used a lot of lights for its Candy Land float.
The Medina Misfits wore costumes from peanuts and wore paper mache heads created by Jodi Rosenbeck, one of the misfits. The group includes many Medina business owners who enjoy getting together to have some fun, said Gloria Brent, one of the misfits.
Callie Gardner of Middleport waves to the crowd. The Gardner and Brown families created the gingerbread cookie and house float and were in the parade for the first time. Callie’s husband Jason is wearing the gingerbread cookie costume.
Todd Bensley served as the parade’s grand marshal.
The Medina transportation department for the school district returned to the parade for the first time since 2015 and had a patriotic display.