The weather may have been unseasonably warm, but few seemed to mind Friday as downtown Perry was flooded with watchers and holiday revelers for the annual Holiday Lighted Parade.
Entries gathered near Second Street and Otley Avenue and traveled north on Third Street before turning west for a block on Pattee Street. The caravan then journeyed along Second Street and back to Otley Avenue before disbanding.
A long stretch of Perry Volunteer Fire Department and other emergency vehicles led the way. Numerous businesses, churches and private organizations had floats or other entries, creating a line that required 20 minutes to fully pass by.
Festivities continued at La Poste afterward, which was festively decorated for the occasion. Santa Claus greeted youngsters, who were also provided a table, materials and a special mail box in which to send letters to the Santa’s Workshop, North Pole.
Perry flutist Christian Loiaza entertained the crowd with several selections, with the Perry Select Choir singing holiday songs, followed by the St. Patrick’s Children’s Choir singing seasonal favorites.
Refreshments were available, and the music continued downstairs afterwards, where adult beverages added to the festive atmosphere.
