MARGARETVILLE — Margaretville’s annual Parade of Lights kicked off at 4:30 on Saturday. This annual tradition was started almost 20 years ago by Lauren Quarltere and continues to be part of Shop Local day.

 Festive lights adorned floats and firetrucks as they proceeded past the large turnout of spectators along Main Street.  The Davis Farm’s antique mini Japanese fire truck featured a large gingerbread man roller skating alongside it. Cute puppies rode shotgun in the US Postal Service car adorned with wrapped packages on top and the Catskill Mountain Christian Center had a brightly lit float wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Margaretville Telephone Company’s Candyland float and the Hubbell Farm’s blow-up replicas of their Scottish Highland cattle were favorites.

Musician Joe Cowell performed a holiday song on the back of a bedecked truck at the viewing stand.  Of course, the highlight of parade was the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Claus waving from the top of a brightly lit fire truck that brought cheers from the crowd. 

After the parade and tree lighting ceremony, everyone was invited to the American Legion Hall for refreshments and to meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa.

Many thanks to Robin Williams for coordinating this event and acting as the announcer for the parade.