Bring the whole family to welcome the holidays at the City Green on Sunday, November 27, from 4 to 7 p.m., for the annual holiday lighting ceremony, a tradition that is 21 years old. North Royalton’s holiday lighting begins with a parade stepping off from the St. Albert the Great Royalwood parking lot at 4:45 p.m. Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz, will lead the way, with the North Royalton High School Drum Line keeping the beat. Members of the parade will be welcoming the holiday season spreading good cheer and passing out candy to the spectators as they await the arrival of – you guessed it, that Jolly Elf Himself, Santa Claus, riding high in the caboose of the North Royalton Fire Department fire truck. To see Santa, it is best to greet him at the north end of the City Green because as soon as Santa reaches the Green, he’ll get out of the fire truck and head to the Santa hut to talk to the kids, of all ages, who are waiting in line to see him.
Meanwhile, as deepening shadows surround the City Green, Mayor Larry will step up to the stage and flip the switch turning our gazebo into a dazzling jewel sparkling with lights and decked in garland. You will see light framed elves, reindeer, and toys blazing in color against the evening darkness. The North Royalton High School Drum Line will supply entertainment. Hot chocolate and pastry will be available to the holiday guests beginning at 4:15 p.m. as they await the arrival of Santa.
Don’t forget the Lions’ Club “Letters to Santa” mailbox. The five-foot red mailbox is just perfect for dropping a letter to Santa to make sure he gets your request correct or add something more you may have forgotten. Specially trained Elves will answer each letter, so it is important to have your full name and address in your letter so they can reply. The official big red mailbox is just outside of the Fire Department.
It takes a lot of planning for the holiday festivities. If you have a group or business that would like to be in the parade or take part in another way, or have other questions, contact Jackie Canter at 216-701-5905. A shout out to the Recreation and Parks Department that puts the muscle behind the magic of this beautiful light display. Everyone is invited. Join the fun. Come to the 21st annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Sunday, November 27, from 4-7 p.m, on the City Green. The countdown to setting the City Green aglow. Are you ready for the countdown? Five…Four…Three… Two…….

By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer