Holley seeks vendors and participants for Parade of Lights

Photo by Tom Rivers – Holley Deputy Mayor David Dill and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Mary Ellen Ridley are helping to plan a parade of lights on Dec. 7, as well as a memory bulb lighting for a Christmas tree that will be by the fountain in the Public Square.

HOLLEY – Village officials believe a popular new holiday tradition has begun, and Holley wants to build on the event, which includes a parade of lights and memory bulb lighting in the Public Square.

Holley since 1982 has lighted a Christmas tree in the Public Square not long after Thanksgiving. Residents can pay $5 to have a bulb dedicated in memory of a loved one. That person’s name will be announced during a tree lighting ceremony.

Two years ago Holley decided to expand the event, by having a parade of lights. There were five or six entries, mostly fire trucks, in the first year. Last year word spread about the parade and there were 45 entries.

The village now wants to extend the holiday celebration even more. This year’s event is planned for Dec. 7, beginning with a breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. at the Eastern Orleans Community Center.

There will be carolers in the Public Square for several hours, with student groups from Holley Central School and the Old Paths Bible Baptist Church. Vendors are also sought to sell refreshments and crafts.

“We want people to come into town to see our businesses,” said Deputy Mayor David Dill, one of the coordinators of the holiday celebration.

Holley started the parade of lights after seeing the success of the event in Medina. That community will host its fifth annual parade of lights on Nov. 30.

Holley urges parade participants to string lights on a flatbed truck, bicycle, car or even people to be part of the fun.

For more information, call the Village Office at (585) 638-6367, ext. 103.