MALDEN — Every public school will participate in the 14th Annual Parade of Holiday Traditions and Christmas Tree lighting tomorrow.
This year’s parade theme is “Malden Schools: The Future Begins Here.” Each of the city’s schools: Malden High School, Beebe, Forestdale, Ferryway, Linden-STEM, Salemwood and the Early Learning Center will be represented by a float or perform along the route.
“We are honored by the theme selection for the parade,” Malden Public Schools first-year Superintendent John Oteri said. “We look forward to all of our schools and students being represented in the parade.”
Each school will bring a unique presence to the event, organizers said. A cash prize of $350 will be awarded by the Parade Committee to the Art Department of the winning school float or presentation. Parade attendees may vote for their favorite float by casting their ballot via smartphone. The winner of the float contest will be revealed after the tree lighting, which will be held at the conclusion of the parade on the lawn of the Malden Public Library.
This will be the first time the Christmas tree will be placed on the library lawn. In the past, it’s been in the courtyard next to the former Malden Government Center, which has been demolished.
The Grand Marshals will be Kevin Kyes and Robert Cobb, co-owners of Today’s Collision. Since 2013, they have collaborated with the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides Program to donate a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Gold Star Member.
“I’m honored to have them help us kick off the holiday season,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor these business owners who have repeatedly gone above and beyond for veterans families.”
The parade will start at the Salemwood School on Waite Street Extension, bear left onto Maplewood Street, and will then travel west on Salem Street. It concludes at the Malden Teen Enrichment Center on Ferry Street where hot chocolate will be served.
Santa Claus will make an appearance. Children are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa so his helpers from the U.S. Post Office can collect them along the parade route and send them to the North Pole.
