Events: RCS Community Library

Massive parade set for Saturday

By Melanie Lekocevic

Capital Region Independent Media

RAVENA — The village and town are gearing up for one of the community’s biggest bashes of the year — the annual Christmas parade that each year ushers in the holiday season.

This year’s parade will take place this Saturday, stepping off at 6 p.m., with some changes to the parade route, Mayor Bill Misuraca said at the village board’s Nov. 19 meeting.

“We have a revision to the parade route for Dec. 7 — the first Saturday of December,” Misuraca said. “We’re going to step off down at Coeymans Landing Park and travel the normal route up through the village. We will pause at our Christmas tree and then turn down Pulver Avenue to Mosher Park, where we will have light refreshments and snacks, meet and greet and have photographs with Santa Claus, a holiday-themed craft and, of course, holiday music and a bonfire.”

A portion of the parade route, heading out of Coeymans Landing, has a steep hill that some marchers and even antique vehicles may find too challenging, so the village came to an agreement with the RCS school district to allow some of the parade participants to stage at the elementary school and then join the parade mid-route.

“If there’s any groups that have younger or older residents that can’t make the march up the hill, or if you have an antique vehicle that can’t handle coming up the hill at that slow pace — because I know that was a concern for some — we can line some up at Pieter B. [Coeymans Elementary School] and fall into the parade,” Misuraca said. “It’s still the same parade, but just to make it easier and more inclusive for everybody.”

Large vehicles and floats will head down Westerlo Street, turn right onto Main Street and head into the lineup from there, Deputy Mayor Nancy Warner explained. Others will start at the Landing.

“Any walkers, cars, vans, smaller vehicles will head right down toward the Landing, cross Coeymans’ Main Street, and make the loop around,” Warner said.

Marchers will pause near the Coeymans firehouse to allow those who are starting the route at the elementary school to join the parade, Warner added. Volunteers are also being sought to help with organizing the parade lineup between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., she said.

Anyone looking to volunteer or to march in the parade, or for additional information, should contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 518-756-8233.

HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST

The parade is just the start of the holiday season.

With everyone getting into a festive mood, the village is holding its annual House Decorating Contest again this year. There’s still time to throw your hat into the ring.

“Homes in the village of Ravena need to be decorated and lit by Dec. 12,” Warner said. “Judging will occur Dec. 15 to 16. Make sure you are lit and have everything glowing on the 15th and 16th. Winners will be announced on the 17th, at our [village board] meeting.”

The winning categories have been revamped this year. Instead of a first- and second-place winner, there will be two winners for “Best Decorated” and then a third category that was started last year — the Mayor’s Choice Award. Prizes will be awarded in each of the categories.

Village board members will drive around the community Dec. 15 and 16 to select the winners among those houses that are decorated and lit up.

MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS

The annual parade is just the beginning. There will be events going on throughout the village and town over the next few weeks.

On Dec. 7 — the same day as the parade — there will be numerous holiday programs around the community.

The Coeymans Fire Ladies Auxiliary will hold its annual Holiday Fair on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring 40 vendors selling everything from cutlery to crocheted items. There will also be breakfast and lunch available for purchase. The Holiday Fair will be held at the Coeymans firehouse, located at 67 Church St. in Coeymans. For more information, call 518-653-3282 or email coeymansauxfair@yahoo.com.

Also on Saturday, Dec. 7, Santa Claus himself will take time off from his busy holiday schedule to visit the Coeymans Hollow firehouse for Lunch with Santa, beginning at 12 p.m. in the Community Room at the firehouse on Route 143. There will be arts and crafts, a special program, and lunch of macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets, along with holiday cookies.

Then on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., the RCS Community Library will host its annual Sweets with Santa program for kids ages 2-10. The Jolly Ol’ Elf will visit with the children, read some holiday stories and maybe even sing a Christmas carol or two. Every child will have the opportunity to do a winter-themed science experiment and holiday crafts, and will go home with a goodie bag of cookies. Registration is required at rcscommunitylibrary.org.