HAVERHILL — Before Santa arrives in his red suit and black boots, six of the 14 giant Soles of Haverhill shoes that were on display throughout the city this summer will strut once more as part of this Sunday's 45th annual VFW Santa Parade.
The parade begins at 1 p.m. in front of the Bradford fire station and works its way north along South Main Street, crosses the Basiliere Bridge, passes by City Hall and ends in front of VFW Lorraine Post 29 on Kenoza Avenue.
This year's parade theme is "It's a Shoe-la-Bration" and will feature at least 25 floats. They include a "dogs and shoes" float by students at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School featuring canine characters from television shows and cartoons, along with a "Festival of Trees" float by the Buttonwoods Museum, floats by Sacred Hearts School, St. Joseph's School, Crescent Yacht Club, Haverhill YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill, Pentucket Bank, Salvation Army and more. Awards will be given for the best overall float and the most creative/original in three categories: business/for-profit, nonprofit, and schools.
The first of five divisions will be led by Haverhill High School's ROTC Color Guard and Unit carrying the parade's banner, which is dedicated to Robert "Bob" Adams, past VFW Post 29 Commander and Santa Parade Committee member. They will be followed by Lorraine Post 29 VFW Color Guard and Methuen Post 8349 Color Guard and parade Marshall Commander Lyman Biggart. The first division also includes the popular Hallamore Clydesdales & Hitch, veterans groups, Haverhill police officers, motorcycles and bike patrol along with police color guards from North Andover, Plaistow, N.H. and the Essex County Sheriff's Department. There will be antique and specialty cars, Lee Speedway race cars, the King Midget Car, Trinity ambulances and fire engines from across the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire.
This year's parade is expected to cost approximately $40,000. About $30,000 has been raised so far. Parade organizers will hold a collection drive during the parade to help pay the expenses of putting on this popular event.
The 16 marching groups include the Original Trilby String Band from Philadelphia, Pa. This group of Mummers dress in colorful costumes and participate in the annual Mummers Parade on New Year's Day in Philadelphia. It has been 10 years since they last performed in Haverhill. The total cost for Trilby alone is $5,500.
An estimated crowd of 25,000 will be treated to the sounds of the award-winning Londonderry High School Lancers Marching Band and Salem High School Blue Devils Marching Band. The music lineup includes the Methuen High School Marching Band - sponsored by The Eagle-Tribune, Clan MacPherson Pipes & Drum - sponsored by The Haverhill Gazette, Dick Kaplan's New Liberty Jazz Band, Pentucket High School Marching Band, Beverly High School Band, Springfield Kiltie Band, Immaculate Heart of Mary Marching Band, Jambalaya Band, Sons of Italy Drum & Bugle Corps and Middlesex County Volunteers Fife & Drum.
Haverhill High School's cheerleaders will be part Sunday's entertainment.
The parade's special guest is Maria Stephanos, Fox 25 news anchor and Groveland resident.
The Greater Haverhill Hunger Roundtable will conduct the 11th annual Betsy Conte Food Drive during the parade in memory of Conte, a former Haverhill City Councilor and community activist. Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the parade. Heavy duty bags with handles, provided by Pentucket Bank, are available at E-Z Way Cleaners, Pentucket Bank, Haverhill Beef, Community Action, Haverhill Public Library and other area businesses.
You can also use your own bags. Paper and hygiene products are also needed. All of the donated food will be brought to the Salvation Army on Main Street where it will be prepared for distribution to area food pantries.
Parade rain date is Saturday, Nov. 28, at 10:30 a.m.
For information or to donate, contact the Santa Parade Committee at 978-373-3777. Donations may also be sent to: VFW Santa Parade, 64 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830.
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