County Celebrates All Those Who Served
The City and County of Schenectady announced Wednesday that there is a new addition to the parade lineup for this year’s 54th Annual Holiday Parade Presented by the City and County of Schenectady: a new Veterans Division, sponsored by CDTA and MVP Health Care. The parade, which is the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast, is honoring those who served in the military by involving them in a bigger way as part of the annual event. The Veterans Division will hold a position of honor directly behind this year’s Grand Marshal, the 109th Airlift Wing.
“The Capital Region is home to more than 68,000 veterans who have served our country with honor,” said Schenectady County Legislator Holly Vellano, Chair of the Military Affairs & Veterans Committee. “Our new Veterans Division is another way that we can show our support to those who have served in the military – whether on Active Duty, in the Reserves, or National Guard. Help us spread the word and encourage your friends and neighbors who have served to join us in the parade so we can recognize their service and sacrifice.”
Capital Region residents who have served in the military can sign up to participate in the Veterans Division at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/parade. They will have the option to walk or ride the parade route, thanks to our Division Partner, CDTA, along with our Premier Sponsor MVP Health Care, who together are providing trolley transportation to those who request it.
The parade steps off at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, with each float and participating group demonstrating the theme, “New York State of Mind.” Each group will have an opportunity to perform for 45 seconds in front of the reviewing stand which will be near Proctors Theatre on State Street.
“We are in for a great night full of floats and performances inspired by our ‘New York State of Mind’ theme,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We hope to see you all on the parade route on November 18 to see what they create! Thank you to all of our partners and event sponsors for their support of this beloved holiday tradition.”
"We are excited for the return of the 54th Annual Holiday Parade to Downtown Schenectady," Mayor Gary McCarthy said. "This iconic event has long been an annual highlight in Schenectady, offering our residents and visitors a wonderful opportunity to come together with family, kick off the holiday season, and show their support for our local restaurants and businesses. I encourage everyone to begin planning their visit to Downtown and join in on this festive celebration."
“MVP Health Care is thrilled to sponsor Schenectady’s 54th 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 once again support the annual Schenectady holiday parade,” said Jaime Kazlo, Director of Corporate Communications at CDTA. “There’s nothing like seeing the magic of the holiday come alive in the electric city. Being part of this event is at the core of who CDTA is and we are excited to kick off the holiday season with our community.” Jaime Kazlo, Director of Corporate Communications.
The County is bringing back the pre-parade festivities to downtown on November 18. From 3:00-5:00 p.m. there will be live music, free kids activities including crafts and face painting, food and beverage vendors, free Child ID sign-up with the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office, and an ice sculpture carved live on Jay Street.
“This year we’re bringing back the pre-parade festivities, including live music, free kids activities, food and beverage vendors, and more,” said Schenectady County Legislator Cathy Gatta, Chair of the Tourism, Arts & Events Committee. “Join us for a night of family fun on November 18th and then come back throughout the season to enjoy all the great things we have to offer!”
The event is produced under the leadership of the City and County of Schenectady, with Premier Sponsor MVP Health Care, Division Sponsor CDTA, and in partnership with the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation, The Capital Region Chamber, and Discover Schenectady.
Visit https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/county-calendar for the latest information about Schenectady County events.