The Schenectady County Legislature today revealed several new and exciting elements for the 55th Annual Holiday Parade, presented by the County and City of Schenectady, including a second grandstand, a sensory-friendly space for families, and the return of the Veterans Division. The parade is scheduled to step off in downtown Schenectady at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
“For over fifty years, the Holiday Parade has been a cherished tradition in our community,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “As we take on our third year producing this event, we’re excited to kick off the holiday season with new enhancements and a focus on inclusivity, ensuring an even better experience for residents, families, and visitors from the Capital Region and beyond.”
“The Holiday Parade is a hallmark event in Schenectady, bringing together residents and visitors to usher in the holiday season each year,” said Mayor Gary R. McCarthy. “I encourage both residents and visitors alike to come Downtown, enjoy the festivities, and support our local small businesses during your visit.”
This year, a second grandstand will be added to the parade route on lower State Street near the corner of State and South Ferry streets. Sponsored by National Grid, this new viewing area will feature emcees Stan Hudy and Shenandoah Briere from The Daily Gazette, who will provide live commentary and insights to enrich the experience for attendees. Additionally, they’ll be livestreaming the event, bringing the excitement to even more viewers.
“We’re delighted to once again be part of this fabulous event for Schenectady,” said Gazette Editor Miles Reed. “Every year, the Gazette staffers are privileged to march alongside the marquee float carrying Santa through the town to the cheers and shrieks of delight of thousands of spectators along the route. We can’t wait.
Schenectady County is proud to partner with Crossroads Center for Children to make the event more inclusive, by launching a pilot program to create a sensory-friendly space families can access during the parade, at the GE Theater inside Proctors Theatre.
“At Crossroads, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone to be included,” said Vicki Ramotar, Resource Development Specialist at Crossroads Center for Children. “Offering a quieter, sensory-friendly space for children to enjoy the parade—while still being part of the festivities—is such a brilliant idea. This initiative truly aligns with our mission to foster understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for our students and others who face similar challenges.”
In 2023, the County Legislature introduced a new Veterans Division in the Annual Holiday Parade to honor veterans for their dedicated service to our country. This year, the Legislature is proud to make this division a permanent feature of the parade, placing it in a position of honor directly behind this year’s Grand Marshal, the City Mission’s Schenectady Downtown Ambassadors.
Capital Region residents who have served in the military are encouraged to register for the Veterans Division, either as individuals or as part of a Veterans organization, by visiting www.schenectadycountyny.gov/parade. Participants can choose to walk or ride along the parade route, with trolley transportation provided by CDTA for those who request it.
"Schenectady County is proud to host special events throughout the year that unite our community, support local businesses, and highlight the best we have to offer,” said Schenectady County Legislator Cathy Gatta, Chair of the Tourism, Arts & Special Events Committee. “The Holiday Parade is the perfect way to cap off the events season, and we are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and partners for their essential support in making it all possible. Come join us in downtown Schenectady on November 23 for a night to remember!”
The event is produced under the leadership of the County and City of Schenectady, with Premier Sponsor MVP Health Care, with additional support from Best Companies, Sunmark Federal Credit Union, National Grid, and Price Chopper/Market 32, and in partnership with The Daily Gazette, WTEN, Albany Broadcasting, Proctors Theatre, Crossroads Center for Children, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp., Discover Schenectady, and the Double Tree.
“MVP Health Care’s commitment to our community events ensures we can continue to host celebrations that bring people together and create lasting memories for all who attend,” said Deborah Brundage, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of MVP Health Care. “MVP is excited to help kick off this year’s festivities.”
“This is a great honor for the Ambassadors,” said Mike Saccocio, Executive Director of the City Mission. “It’s also a testimony to a great community in which everyone is invited to get involved and make a difference. After 15 years, we are more committed than ever to give our very best to a community that has given us such a special opportunity.”
“I love to see multiple generations within families gathered along State Street for what is often a family tradition to kick-off the holiday season,” said Capital Region Chamber President Mark Eagan. “The parade serves as an additional reason that people from throughout the greater region come downtown and first-hand experience the continued renaissance of Schenectady.”
More information about the Annual Holiday Parade is available at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/parade. Follow Schenectady County on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information on all the County’s special events.