Lynn Christmas Eve Parade to make special stop

LYNN – The 23rd annual Lynn Christmas Eve Parade will make a special stop this year so that Santa and Mrs. Claus can visit a 7-year-old Cottage Street girl suffering from leukemia.”It’s the little girl’s wish to have Mr. and Mrs. Claus come directly to her home, so that’s what we’re going to do,” said Rich Viger, who has organized the colorful convoy since its inception. “We’ve talked to the parents and the principal of the Drewicz School is getting the presents together so that Santa and Mrs. Claus will have something to deliver when they visit.”According to Viger, the parade will step off on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. from Austin Square, where Summer and Boston streets intersect near the Saugus line. It will follow the traditional route through the city.”Since the parade is on a Thursday this year, it’ll mark the start of a long holiday weekend. We expect thousands of spectators because most people will be off Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well,” he said.With John’s Oil as the lead sponsor, the parade is scheduled to include Lynn police and fire vehicles, tow trucks from G&J Towing, law enforcement agency vehicles from the State Police, the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and other neighboring departments. A bevy of cartoon characters will also be on hand, such as Elmo, Winnie the Pooh, Frosty the Snowman and Cookie Monster.Parade organizers rent the costumes each year.”The kids really love the cartoon characters and all the flashing lights,” said Viger, noting that the Lynn Police Department will escort the parade. “We’re hoping to make it bigger and better this year. We want to do something good for the city. I’ve been in it from the start and it’s so much fun. It’s amazing how many thousands of people come out to see it. It reminds me of the Blizzard of ’78, when everyone was out on the streets walking. Neighbors gathered at every corner. That’s what happens with the parade every year.”In keeping with tradition, Janet Melanson will again serve as Mrs. Claus, said Viger, adding, “I also have my Jewish Santa Claus. Bruce Kurman has been doing this for a while. He’s Jewish but he loves playing Santa.”Swampscott will hold its mechanized Santa Parade on Friday, Dec. 18. Nahant will hold its annual Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 19.For more information about the Lynn parade, to make a donation or register a vehicle to participate in the lineup, contact Viger at 781-599-9568.