Santa Claus is coming to North Royalton. He’ll be the “star” of the 17th annual Christmas Parade and Lighting of the City Green event on Sunday, November 26.
The Holiday Lighting Committee is continuing this fun event for children of all ages. North Royalton residents are invited to get into the spirit, enjoy the parade and create more holiday memories with families, friends and neighbors.
The parade will step off from the Royalwood Road exit of the St. Albert the Great Church Parking lot at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 26. The parade will march west on Royalwood Road, turn left onto Ridge Road and head south to Royalton Road (State Route 82). The parade will turn right onto Royalton Road and then right onto City Hall Drive and will head to the “North Pole on the City Green.”
In addition to the planning of the parade, the Holiday Lighting Committee has been busy decorating and lighting the City Green. The focal point of the decorations is the “Avenue of Trees” display.
The Avenue features six-foot Christmas trees decorated with holiday lights. “We’ll have 60 trees decorated with lights and an ornament that displays the sponsor’s name,” said Camille Price of the Holiday Lighting Committee.
The City Green will feel a bit different this year. The old North Royalton City Hall, which dominated the City Green landscape, was razed earlier this year.
Monies raised through the Harvest Fest, held in September, are used to decorate the City Green and the new North Royalton City Hall, located on State Road.
“Every year there is a need to replace light bulbs and to repair electrical wires. This year, we have
four new holiday banners that will be hung on the light poles at City Hall,” said Price. “There are no electrical outlets on the light poles. Banners were our only option.”
The parade will take place no matter the weather, sun or clouds, rain or snow. The North Royalton Marching Band will be featured unit.
Santa Claus will be in the parade, hitching a ride on the back of a North Royalton fire truck, leaving his sleigh and eight tiny reindeer back at the North Pole.
Following the parade, Santa will talk with the children of North Royalton about what they want for Christmas from inside his “little red house” on the City Green. Plus, Mrs. Claus and a couple of elves will join Santa inside to give a small gift to the children.
Be sure to stop by the “little green house” on the City Green where refreshments (mainly hot chocolate) and snacks will be available.
North Royalton Mayor Bob Stefanik will have the task of flipping the switch to turn on the Holiday Lighting Display. He will be joined by a number of children, along with Miss Royalton and her Court. The lights will remain illuminated until the Orthodox New Year celebration. A number of residents who drive past the City Green have told me seeing the lights is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Santa is still accepting letters with Christmas wishes, so write letters to Santa and drop them in the special mail box at City Hall, 14600 State Road.
Join your friends and neighbors for the 17th annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Lighting event on Sunday, November 26, at the City Green. Get your Holiday Season started right here in North Royalton.
By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer