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11/24/2023 02:13 PMThe holidays are on the way, and so is the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on the Westbrook Town Green on Sunday, Dec. 3.
Beginning at 4 p.m. and running until 6 p.m., the night will feature a parade, ice carving, hot food, crafts, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, miniature donkeys and goats, a bonfire with smores, and, of course, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Best of all, the entire night and all festivities are free.
Kim Esposito, one of the event’s organizers, said the parade will step off around 4 p.m. and go around the Town Green. The Westbrook Foundation will be leading the parade and carrying the banner.
Esposito said she was excited about a few new changes this year. One is that thanks to a 175 book donation from Read to Grow, every child will receive a free age-appropriate book at the event.
“We even have some books in Spanish for children that don’t speak English. We’re really excited about that.”
A second change is the inclusion of more floats in the parade.
“We have more floats in the parade than ever before,” Esposito said.
More changes this year are the inclusion of miniature goats and more food vendors so that the food doesn’t run out this year.
Every year, the tree is lit by a different guest. This year, the tree will be lit by the Westbrook Council of Beaches.
Other changes include the return of s’mores around the campfire, expanded entertainment, including singers from the high school, a group singalong, and updated crafts.
The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting has been a tradition in town for more than two decades and is an annual bright spot for organizers and attendees alike.
“I had one woman come up to me last year and say, ‘This is just like a Hallmark Channel movie!’ People really enjoy it,” Esposito said.
Esposito said she is looking forward to the town-wide camaraderie.
“Just seeing the community all together to kick off the holiday season and everyone from town in the holiday spirit is really great,” said Esposito.