Mary Lou and Nicole Tuohey will be grand marshals for Parade of Lights
Still time to enter a float in the Nov. 24 parade
Photos by Tom Rivers: Mary Lou Tuohey hugs her daughter Nicole at the kickoff on Oct. 13 for The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Medina. They have been big fundraisers and advocate for the event for the past several years.
MEDINA – It’s not too late to enter a float in this year’s Parade of Lights Nov. 24.
Parade chairman Jim Hancock said they have extended the deadline for entries until Nov. 21.
In addition, the parade committee has announced the grand marshals for the 10th anniversary parade.
For the first time in its history, the parade will have two grand marshals – Mary Lou Tuohey and her daughter Nicole.
Mary Lou is a local businesswoman and true supporter of her community. Nicole, although born with a genetic disease called Triple X Syndrome, has surpassed all expectations as she grew into adulthood.
“We are pleased to have Mary Lou and Nicole serve as our Grand Marshals this year,” Hancock said. “They epitomize true volunteerism and giving from the heart.”
Mary Lou, who was formerly a nurse, opened her business, Case-Nic Cookies, on Main Street in 1995. Both she and Nicole have supported the Parade of Lights every year, plus many other community events and local fundraisers.
Nicole attended Rainbow Pre-School where she excelled, in spite of being told as a child she would never, walk, talk, run or ride a bike. She and her mom have been big supporters of the Alzheimers’ Association. Nicole lost both of her grandparents to the disease. The Tuoheys have raised large sums of money in the annual “Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”
Nicole Tuohey of Medina walks a 3.1-mile course on Sept. 16, 2017. The event in Elba was a benefit for The Arc of Genesee Orleans, helping to fund disability services and the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship for students in the two counties.
In fact, according to Hancock, Nicole herself raised more than $8,000 during the last eight years for the walk-a-thon.
Mary Lou said she was very surprised when Hancock came into her store to tell her.
“I am honored,” Mary Lou said. “I never expected it.”
Awards for this year’s parade include a $1,000 Grand Prize; six Best in Class categories; the Littlest Elf Award for best incorporation of youth and children in their float; the Star Award for outstanding creativity; the Community Spirit Award for the entry which best represents their community; and the Santa’s Pick Award for the float Santa would likely pick as the most whimsical.
Entry forms and information can be found online at www.christmasinmedina.com.
In the event of rain, the parade will be postponed until the evening of Nov. 25.
