Reclaiming holiday traditions: Christmas Parade returns to P.C.
December 6, 2018 at 8:48 a.m.
Port Chester High School Marching Band flautists raise their instruments to play holiday tunes as they march down Abendroth Avenue during the Port Chester Downtown Christmas Parade and tree lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 4. It’s been decades since the village has hosted a downtown holiday parade, and officials hope this kicks off an annual tradition.
Adorned with a jolly oversized Santa hat, 4-year-old Sebastian Martinez of Port Chester eagerly awaits the procession at the corner of Highland Street and Abendroth Avenue.
Clutching a Santa hat filled with candy, Port Chester High School senior Carolyne Molano marches with the Port Chester High School varsity cheerleading squad, ready to toss treats to children lining the road.
The Pride of Port Chester drum line does a drum roll while Port Chester Mayor Richard Falanka leads the crowd of hundreds in a countdown to light the Christmas tree across the street in Liberty Square. The 24-foot spruce was donated by Mitchell Place resident Lynn Alvarez.
Port Chester resident Juliana Robinson, a 4-year-old, bypassed the present line to be the first one to meet Santa Claus, played by Charlie Sacco.
As he affectionately hugs his new Star Wars spaceship, it looks like King Street Elementary School kindergartener Bryan Lopez found the perfect toy at the gift table.
Edison Elementary School kindergartener Ruben Mosso is eager to show Santa Claus his new Cars edition of the board game Trouble. Charlie Sacco, playing Kris Kringle, is just as excited to check it out with him.
Port Chester High School junior Michael Kessler works with four other students to organize and stock the gift table while helping children pick out presents provided by the Port Chester Recreation Department. The high schoolers are volunteering with the Key Club.
Port Chester High School sophomore Ava Quartarolo (left) gives a cheery thumbs up while carrying the banner with Jane Dominguez, also a sophomore, to lead the Pride of Port Chester down Abendroth Avenue.
Several John F. Kennedy Elementary School students proudly clutch their school’s banner as they march down the road.
Trombonists in the Port Chester Middle School band file into the parking lot at the corner of Westchester and Abendroth avenues, the holiday procession’s destination.
Dozens of children can be heard yelling “Santa!” as Charlie Sacco, dressed as Saint Nick, makes a grand entrance on a fire truck and walks to the stage to personally meet kids.
The cold is worth it when Santa’s involved. John F. Kennedy second-grader Melani Zuniga made sure to bundle up tight in her scarf and bright pink coat before coming out to pick a similarly pink Ultimate Stationery Set present and meet Santa.
A snowman waves at passersby in front of the towering festive Christmas tree in Liberty Square.
