Lynn readies for Christmas parade

LYNN-Plans for the 21st annual Santa Parade to be held on Christmas Eve continue to shape up. Bruce Kurman and Janet Melanson, dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, will ride aboard Santa’s sleigh.Lynn Police officers John White and Ray Therrien will escort the parade along its 23-mile journey through the streets of Lynn. They will be assisted by State Troopers Charles Luise Jr. and Steve Connell, along with Middle Police Officer Gary Lacy and Nahant Police Officers Lt. Tom Hutton and J. R. Plourde, and Officer James Healy from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.The Lynn Fire Department, under the direction of firefighter Vic Scolona, will also play a big role.Others scheduled to attend and/or submit floats are Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr., Massachusetts State Trooper Charles Luise, G/J Towing Co., American Plate Glass, Pudgy’s Auto Repair, Lynn Department of Public Works, Jay Walsh Jr., EZ Landscaping Co., MGM Landscaping, Fowler Landscaping, Hirsch Landscaping, Malden Rescue Company, West Lynn Cheerleaders, Olympic Auto Body, John’s Oil Company and many more.According to Parade Chairman Rich Viger, this year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of retired police officers Robert and Ralph Sirois and former St. Mary’s student Patrick Reddy, all who passed away this year.”You will be always be remembered in our hearts and prayers for all your dedicated services to the people of the city of Lynn,” Viger said. “I would personally like to thank the staff of John’s Oil Company, Mayor Edward J. Clancy, Lynn Housing Authority Executive Director Charles Gaeta and staff, the Lynn City Council, McCarthy Glass Company, Nick Mennino, Roland Appleton chairs, Attorney John Mihos, North Shore Heating Supply Company, Jerry and Rose Constantino for all donated toys and Lil’ River Inn for all their excellent support each and every year to make this happen and keep our city together. “Anyone wishing to get involved in the parade can call John’s Oil Co. at 781-592-9505. This year’s parade route is as follows: The parade starts at 5 p.m. and proceeds along Dearborn Avenue to Summer Street through Austin Square. At about 5:15 p.m., the parade heads down Boston Street to Myrtle Street and Holyoke Street onto O’Callaghan Way. It turns onto Walnut Street and follows Linwood Road to North Franklin Street. At 5:45 p.m., the parade bears right onto Boston then proceeds to Cottage Street and into McDonough Square. By 6 p.m. it will turn onto Western Avenue and passes through Market Square onto South Common Street and proceed to Pleasant and State streets. It should turn onto Broad Street at about 6:30 p.m. and follow Broad to Lewis Street to Lafayette Park. It turns onto Fayette Street and takes Essex Street to Chestnut Street. At 7:15 the parade turns onto Western Avenue again and takes Chatham Street to Lewis then takes a left onto Eastern Avenue. It follows Eastern to Western Avenue and turns onto Stanwood Road at 8 p.m. From Stanwood, it turns onto Fernwood Avenue, then takes Chase Road to Euclid Avenue. After it turns onto Broadway, the parade follows Jenness Street onto Den Quarry Road and then to Cedar Brook Road. At 9 p.m., turns onto York Road and onto Casco Road, then onto Lynnfield Street into Wyoma Square. After leaving Wyoma Square, it turns onto Broadway and follows Boston Street to Lynngate Plaza. All route times are approximate.