Ryan Cabrera to Headline Pre-Parade Party; Over 100 Floats, Marching Bands, & Performers
Officials from Schenectady County and Schenectady City, sponsors, partners, and supporters of the 53rd Annual Holiday Parade Wednesday announced exciting entertainment for the pre-parade party, as well as other jolly surprises parade watchers will be able to enjoy.
More than 100 floats, marching bands, and performers will be lining up for the parade when it steps off at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19th. Each organization creating a float or performance inspired by the parade’s theme, “Dream Big!” Last week, Madelyn Thorne, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County was announced as the Grand Marshal. She will be joined by artist Girl Blue, Miss New York 2022 Taryn Smith, and the big man himself, Santa.
“We’re excited to be part of this beloved tradition that attracts visitors from all across the region,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This year’s parade will include over 100 floats, marching bands and performers, making it the northeast’s largest nighttime holiday parade. Join us on November 19th to kick off the holiday season in downtown Schenectady.”
B95.5 is this year’s radio partner. Disc Jockeys Chad & Kristina announced that pre-parade festivities will be headlined by Ryan Cabrera, known for singles “On the Way Down,” “Shine On,” and “Photo.” The fun begins at 3:00 p.m. along Jay Street where families can enjoy picture opportunities with characters from The Costumer, shopping, and restaurants. News10ABC’s Lydia Kulbida will Co-host the parade.
“This year we dreamed big, kicking things off early with pre-parade performances from Girl Blue and national headliner Ryan Cabrera,” said Schenectady County Legislator Cathy Gatta, Chair of the Tourism, Arts & Special Events Committee. “Come downtown at 3 p.m. to take pictures with holiday characters, do some shopping and grab a warm drink or a bite to eat at our local restaurants.”
“We are proud to once again host the 53rd Annual Holiday Parade here in downtown Schenectady,” Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “This is an incredibly special event each year and we welcome families from all across the region to join us as we kick off the holiday season.”
“MVP Health Care is thrilled to sponsor Schenectady’s 53rd Annual Holiday Parade,” said MVP Health Care President and CEO Chris Del Vecchio. “We thank the city and county of Schenectady for bringing the Capital Region together this holiday season and look forward to spending time celebrating each other and our community.”
“CDTA is proud to help support this Schenectady tradition and help kick off the holiday season in the Capital Region,” said Jaime Kazlo, CDTA Director of Corporate Communications. “Providing access and opportunity to the communities we serve is who we are at our core. We are looking forward to connecting students from Schenectady City School district with this holiday event which will allow them to participate in the parade and enjoy the magic of the holiday season. We are looking forward to a wonderful parade and connecting with the community for this annual holiday tradition.”
The Holiday Parade is scheduled to step off at 5:00 p.m. on November 19, 2022, in downtown Schenectady. The parade is produced under the leadership of the City and County of Schenectady, and in partnership with the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation, The Capital Region Chamber, and Discover Schenectady. For more information about the Schenectady Parade, visit https://www.schenectadycounty.com/parade.
This year’s parade is presented by MVP, with premier support from Price Chopper/Market32, and community support from CDTA, Best Fitness, Ellis Medicine, and National Grid. Media partners include News10ABC, Daily Gazette, and iHeart Media’s B95.5. Special thanks to The Costumer who makes everything better with just a little more magic.
Follow @SchenectadyCounty on Facebook for the latest updates.