Big crowd, record number of entrants in Medina’s Parade of Lights

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Two giant snowmen greet people on the parade route during the seventh annual Parade of Lights in Medina today. The snowmen were part of a float by Bentley Brothers in Albion.

There was a record 41 businesses and organizations in the parade that started at the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue and concluded in downtown Medina.

A float from Lake Alice and Waterport was near the front of the hour-long parade.

The Medina Mustang Band Boosters joined the fun with a Winnie the Pooh themed float.

Matt Mundion, the defending champion, outdid last year’s effort by creating a train, The Medina Express, that included several different units that were lighted up for the occasion.

The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company had a message with its float. Firefighters urged people to shovel near fire hydrants once the snow hits.

Bumble, a character from Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, was part of the float created by Five Star Bank. Bumble is shown in the parking lot at the Olde Pickle Factory. Fireworks are going off in back. There was a fireworks show at 5:45, just before the parade started at 6 p.m.

The Medina Sandstone Society created a float in tribute to the late Bob Waters, the Sandstone Society’s former president. Pictured, from left: Andrew Meier, Adam Tabelski and Aaron Grabowski. The trio sang several songs.

The Medina FFA created a float with a Radio Flyer theme.

Kelsee Soule plays the character Elsa from Frozen as part of the Albion FFA float.

The Medina Mustang Band dressed in lights for the parade.

Medina Police Chief Jose Avila served as honorary grand marshal for the parade. He is retiring next month after 17 years as leader of the Medina Police Department.

Orleans Hub will have more photos on Sunday from the parade.