Parade of Lights in Medina offering incentive for first 10 entries of Nov. 25 parade

Provided photos: This float made by Takeform in Medina was among the participants in last year’s Parade of Lights. Takeform donated the float to be used each year to transport Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade. Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to enter a float this year.

MEDINA – The committee planning this year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 25 is offering a special incentive of $50 to the first 10 entries by Oct. 31.

It was 15 years ago when organizer Jim Hancock heard about the small community of Ada, Mich. hosting a successful Parade of Lights for almost 20 years (a community half the size of Medina), he thought, “If they can do it, so can Medina.”

In 2009, Medina hosted its first Parade of Lights with 18 entries and two marching bands. Last year, the parade had 38 creative and whimsical floats and four marching bands, including Medina’s very own Mustang Marching Band.

Keeping with tradition, this year’s celebration is Nov. 25, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Thousands of people cozy up along Park Avenue and Main Street to partake in what has become a holiday tradition – an event reminiscent of a Hallmark movie scene, according to Lynne Menz, a member of the planning committee.

In 2020, the year of the Covid pandemic when many local parades and festivals were cancelled, the parade still went on in Medina. But instead of processing down the street, the floats were stationary throughout the Medina school campus, while visitors from far and wide drove past in their vehicles.

Medina Lions had this float in last year’s Parade of Lights. This year’s event is scheduled Nov. 25. To encourage early entries, the parade committee is offering $50 this year to the first 10 entries received before Oct. 31.

The parade caps off Medina’s annual Olde Tyme Christmas celebration, which has grown over the past 15 years to include a full day of activities leading up to the renowned Parade of Lights. This includes family friendly activities, a 5K run, food vendors, holiday shopping specials, performers and music throughout the historic downtown corridor.

The noon mini-parade featuring Pets on Parade ushers in Santa and Mrs. Claus, accompanied by members of the Mustang Marching Band. This parade has also grown with a record 25 entries in last year’s parade, featuring a variety of pets exhibiting the holiday spirit.

At 5:45 p.m., just before the big Parade of Lights sets out from the Olde Pickle Factory of Park Avenue, Young Explosives will once again set off a spectacular fireworks demonstration at the north end of downtown.

To be eligible for the $50 early incentive, an entry must be received by Oct. 31 and be in the Parade of Lights on Nov. 25.

The parade committee encourages individuals, businesses, organizations, fire companies and non-profits to enter a float or vehicle in this year’s parade for a chance to win a share of $4,000 in prize money. There is no fee to enter and no theme.

Anyone wishing to become a sponsor or participant should visit the website www.christmasinmedina.com. As the schedule develops, it will also be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChristmasInMedina.