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11/14/2018 08:15 AMOn Saturday, Nov. 24, Branford will officially kick-off this year's season of cheer when the annual Holiday Parade steps off at 6 p.m., immediately followed by the Town Tree Lighting on the Branford green.
In the following weeks, Branford Recreation Department will add to the holiday cheer in the air with calls to kids from the Santa Hotline (Dec. 11 — 13) and the friendly competition of Branford's annual Holiday House Decorating Contest (Dec. 12).
Holiday Parade, Tree Lighting
On Nov. 24, hundreds of residents are expected to once again line both sides of the Main Street parade route for Branford's highly-anticipated seasonal spectacle, the holiday parade. At the parade's end, everyone is invited to follow Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph onto the green to help the light the Town Christmas tree.
This year's parade steps off from Branford High School, 185 East Main St., at 6 p.m. and travels to the town center. Thanks to plenty of participation from local schools, organizations, businesses, churches, teams and others, the parade will be filled with favorites including Branford Rotarians driving antique farm tractors, trucks trailering holiday-themed floats, marching units, muscial units, classic cars and emergency services vehicles-- not the least of which will be the bright red, antique fire engine delivering Santa and Mr.s Clause direct from the North Pole. The parade turns onto Town Hall Drive from Main Street to reach the Christmas tree at the front of the green.
Guests of honor Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph will officiate the tree lighting immediately following the parade.
The parade is organized by Branford Recreation Dept. Once again, Branford Rec is asking parade viewers to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit Branford Food Council. Donated items will be gathered on the green.
Rain date for the 2018 holiday parade and tree lighting is Sun. Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. (check www.branfordrecreation.org for weather updates). For more information, call 203-488-8304.
Santa Hotline
Branford Recreation's Santa Hotline is returning just in time for Christmas. Calls take place on Dec. 11, 12 and 13 and pre-registration is required, using a form which can be downloaded from www.branfordrecreation.org. The number of calls are limited to 25 per night and the deadline to submit completed registrations is Nov. 30 (first-come, first-served).
Annual Holiday House Decorating Contest
Branford Recreation's Annual Holiday House Decorating Contest falls on Wed. Dec. 12, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Prizes to be awarded will include those for Most Creative, Best Holiday Spirit, Most Colorful Display, Most Original Display and other categories. To register in advance to be viewed for judging, visit www.branfordrecreation.org or stop by Branford Recreation's temporary office at 40 Kirkham St. (lower level entrance at back).