NAHANT ― ‘Tis the season for festivities everywhere and, in spite of the pandemic’s best efforts, things are beginning to look a lot more like Christmas.
After taking a year off to comply with COVID-19 guidelines and safety, the 25th annual Tommy Hutton Christmas Parade is back in town on Dec. 18 and will be spreading nothing but holiday cheer.
26 years ago, former Police Lt. Tom Hutton wished to keep the Christmas spirit alive in town, and, inspired by his children, he wanted others to get in the spirit with a new tradition: a holiday parade.
“We always try to reach out to our community in different ways, just to show them we are always there for them,” said Police Sgt. Matthew Morneau of the lasting department tradition.
Starting with just a few police cars, the parade grew throughout the area and was soon joined by the Fire Department and Department of Public Works (DPW). It then grew to neighboring communities — as far as Manchester-by-the-Sea ― and boasts special appearances from tow trucks and old fire trucks.
Santa normally rides on the back of a tow truck during the parade, which excites everyone in town.
On Saturday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., the route will start at the Village Church and will follow the main streets in Nahant until ending up back where it started at the church. Residents are encouraged to come out with neighbors to celebrate the holiday season.
A week before the parade, there will be a Christmas Parade Fundraiser in the form of a raffle at Tides Restaurant on Dec. 11. Residents will have a chance to win a seven-day stay at the Lord Camden Inn in Camden, Maine.
Tickets are $10, with 500 tickets available in total. The drawing will take place at the fundraiser. All proceeds go to local charities and scholarships for graduating high schoolers from the town.
Residents can either purchase tickets in cash or by Venmoing Jodi Furlong: @JodiLyn-Furlong.
