Luke and Jake Mecke of Derry peek out from inside a giant inflatable snow globe during Saturday’s annual Nutfield Holiday Parade and Very Derry events in their hometown. In addition to the parade, the day included a tree lighting, music and downtown business incentives.
Luke and Jake Mecke of Derry peek out from inside a giant inflatable snow globe during Saturday’s annual Nutfield Holiday Parade and Very Derry events in their hometown. In addition to the parade, the day included a tree lighting, music and downtown business incentives.
Luke and Jake Mecke of Derry peek out from inside a giant inflatable snow globe during Saturday’s annual Nutfield Holiday Parade and Very Derry events in their hometown. In addition to the parade, the day included a tree lighting, music and downtown business incentives.
Luke and Jake Mecke of Derry peek out from inside a giant inflatable snow globe during Saturday’s annual Nutfield Holiday Parade and Very Derry events in their hometown. In addition to the parade, the day included a tree lighting, music and downtown business incentives.
CROWDS LINED the streets of Derry Saturday as the community celebrated its traditional welcome to the holiday season with the annual Nutfield Holiday Parade and Very Derry holiday events.
The parade, held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for decades, was co-sponsored by the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Derry Rotary Club. The event sported a “Superheroes Among Us” theme this year, bringing out marching bands, clowns, local organizations, youth sports groups and dance teams to celebrate the season.
Every year the parade also honors the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, a top nonprofit organization and Business of the Year, with all of them featured in the procession.
This year’s top citizen was Jim Goss; First Parish Congregational Church was named Nonprofit of the Year with Minuteman Press of Londonderry taking top business honors.
Leading the parade route, Derry Village Rotary Club members collected nonperishable food items and cash donations while members of the Derry Police Department collected toys to support the annual Toys for Tots drive.
Marching units included the Pinkerton Academy Band, local dance troupes, clowns, horses, youth sports and floats created by local businesses and organizations.
Derry Village Elementary School took the honor for best parade entry in the youth division. Derry Firefighters Local 4392 won first place for its parade entry, paying tribute to heroes as part of the parade’s official theme.
Dance Impressions of Windham won a Most Creative parade award.
The day included not only the parade, but a schedule of Very Derry events including crafts for children, cookie decorating, a giant snow globe for photo opportunities, music, visits with Santa Claus, vendors and games.
Saturday was also the annual Small Business Saturday honoring local businesses.
The day had something for everyone.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to come out and get together and enjoy the season,” said Debbie Roy, part of the Greater Derry Arts Council and its public arts group.
To conclude the day, Derry community members gathered on Benson’s lawn at 1 West Broadway for the annual tree lighting.
