(WNY News Now) – Dunkirk, New York, is set to kick off the holiday season with its annual Dunkirk Holiday Parade, scheduled for Friday evening, December 1, at 6:30 p.m. on Central Avenue. This beloved event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Special Metals of Dunkirk, in collaboration with support from the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.
Dunkirk – This year’s Dunkirk Holiday Parade will enchant spectators with the theme “Holiday Movie Magic,” inviting participants to adorn their vehicles, floats, and themselves with the whimsical essence of their favorite holiday movies or cartoon themes. As a delightful addition, floats are encouraged to serenade the crowds with beloved Christmas melodies.
The parade festivities will kick off at 5:00 p.m. as participants line up on Third Street, nestled between Robin Street and Central Avenue. To entertain early birds, a pre-parade show will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The main event will commence promptly at 6:30 p.m., following a route southward toward City Hall and concluding at Brooks Memorial Hospital on Sixth Street.
In the spirit of friendly competition, trophies will be awarded in various float judging categories, including “Best Theme,” “Most Creative,” “Best Youth Involvement,” “Best Business,” “Best School,” “Best Civic/Nonprofit,” “Best Emergency Vehicle,” and “People’s Choice.”
Groups and companies eager to participate are encouraged to complete a parade application, which is available on the City of Dunkirk’s website under the “Festivals” tab or can be picked up in person at the Youth and Recreation Office in the Stearns Building. The registration deadline, remarkably, requires no financial commitment and is set for November 27.
For those planning to watch the parade, it’s advisable to bundle up warmly to fully savor the holiday atmosphere. Central Station Restaurant will be open until 7:30 p.m. for those seeking a cozy retreat.
To further support this cherished community tradition, corporate parade sponsorships are available at different levels: $500 for “Santa Is Comin’ to Town,” $250 for “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and $100 for “Frosty the Snowman.” Additionally, interested parties can contribute by sponsoring a trophy for $25.00.
City event organizers are also extending an invitation to share any photographs from past Dunkirk winter holiday parades, which can be sent via email to smekus@cityofdunkirk.com.
For comprehensive parade information, residents and visitors can refer to the city’s official website at www.cityofdunkirk.com, explore updates on their Facebook page at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events, or reach out to Ryan Hall at the City of Dunkirk at (716) 366-9886 or via email at rhall@cityofdunkirk.com. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming celebration of the holiday season!
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