Trenton’s welcome-to-town parade for Santa will be a community festival of lights, with candles lining the downtown streets.
By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — A sense of community is among the qualities of life people celebrate during the holidays, and Trenton’s Light the Night parade welcoming Santa Claus to town fits the bill.
“It’s everything from Girl Scout troops to civic organizations to school groups,” said Joann Perna, Trenton Parks and Recreation assistant director. “It’s a fun little community downtown parade.”
While Trenton has held a holiday parade for as long as anyone remembers, the event was turned into an evening affair about 15 years ago, Perna said. To make the Dec. 3 event all the more festive, a host of community sponsors provide lighted candles to line downtown streets with holiday lights.
Organized by the Trenton Civic Commission with sponsorship from DTE Energy, Perna said the parade features community groups, school bands, businesses and others either walking or atop floats. At the end of the march, participants and viewers are invited to gather at the clock tower where Santa will receive the key to the city and light the community tree. Hot chocolate and cookies will follow.
“It’s not a very large parade,” Perna said. “But it’s really entertaining and we usually get a good turnout.”
Along with DTE Energy, Light the Night sponsors include the Trenton Business Association, M & M Camping, St. Thomas Episcopal church, Market Insights and West Grange Pharmacy.
The parade begins at 6 p.m. For more information contact Trenton Parks and Recreation at 734-675-7300.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])