AMESBURY — The city’s annual holiday is just around the corner.
Residents can gather as dozens of floats decorated by local organizations cruise down Highland Street on Saturday.
Michelle Lamott, co-organizer of the parade along with Jessica Ducrow, said the theme is “Candyland”, taking inspiration from holiday sweets.
“We’re thinking lollipops, gumdrops, gingerbread houses, candy canes, all the good holiday candy we all look forward to every year,” she said.
Lamott said the parade will feature at least 45 floats, with many likely to be decked out in accordance with the theme.
While a number of familiar faces such as the Amesbury Lions Club, Amesbury Chevrolet and more will participate in the parade, Lamott said there will be some first-time participants as well.
“We have some new parade entries this year, which is exciting,” she said. “We love having new people. And, we have some people who are regulars who we love to have.” .
Cheri Buchanan, Amesbury Chevrolet’s controller, said the business will have a float in the parade and looks forward to fostering holiday spirit in the city.
“It’s really all about the spirit of Christmas, the kids and the experience. Being part of the community, people know who you are, they wave to you, they’re excited to see you,” she said.
The parade will adopt a new route this year, changing from the typical path on Greenleaf Street to Highland Street for a little more room, Lamott said.
“It’s a good problem to have. We just outgrew the space with all the great entries that we have. Some of the floats are just outstanding and they’re big and we just need more room,” she said.
Lamott said the new location’s proximity to Amesbury High School could also be beneficial in case of poor weather.
“So, if the weather’s not good, people can meet inside the high school. So, there’s some shelter and there’s bathrooms. And, to me, it’s a no-brainer to have it there,” she said.
While the parade requires months of planning on Lamott and Ducrow’s part, Lamott said the positive feedback they receive from residents makes it all worthwhile.
“My friends and residents who I don’t know, they text us and tell us how grateful they are and how much they appreciate it. And, that is what it’s all about,” she said.
Now, as the parade fast approaches after months of collecting donations and planning, Lamott said she hopes the community will enjoy the beloved event.
“Jessica and myself have poured our hearts into this and we work on it starting in September,” she said. “It’s not something that we put on overnight. We started working on it four or five months ago. And, we just want everyone to enjoy it and like what we have put together.”