»Christmas Parade«

It was a lot of fun joining with Council, the Mayor, and the “Big Guy” (Santa) for this year’s Christmas Parade. One of the highlights for me was the community groups that come out to participate in the parade, this year including the American Legion Riders, the Laurel Boys & Girl Club Wildcats, neighborhood families with angel costumes, our emergency response teams at Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, and more. If you’ve thought about entering your group into one of the City’s parade, let me be an encouragement to you to do it - it’s a lot of fun and a great way to share! :)

Auto-generated description: People are walking down a street, wearing festive holiday attire with some holding red stockings. Auto-generated description: Two people dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus wave from a decorated holiday float. Auto-generated description: A group of people wearing matching outfits and Santa hats are marching together, performing a synchronized routine on a street.

(Photo credit: City of Laurel)

»Pearl Harbor Remembrance by American Legion Post 60«

Right before the parade, I was also honored to join with the American Legion Post 60 Color Guard to mark the remembrance of ‘a day that shall live in infamy’, the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941. Thank you to John Musgrove and the Guard for bringing solemnity to the memory of those who sacrificed for our country that day.

Auto-generated description: A group of people stand outside near a sidewalk, with some individuals in uniform holding an American flag, while others watch nearby.

(Photo credit: American Legion)

»Winter Market«

This is the first year the City has hosted a “Winter Market”, and it was great to see small business vendors and crafters selling their wares at the Quill Lot on Main Street. The Winter Market builds on the success of the Farmer’s Market earlier this year, and I hope to see it back as an event next year as I know many more folks had hoped to make it. (And I’ve shared the idea with the City team to perhaps even hold it in tandem with Small Business Saturday activities as a great tie-in.) I showed up at the Market at just the perfect time, as the skies were beautiful overhead with the warm bursts of sunset colors: amazing! :)

Auto-generated description: People are gathered around colorful craft stalls at an outdoor market during a vibrant sunset.

»Christmas Tree Lighting & Armory Illumination«

Our Parks & Rec team continues to out-do themselves with the wonderful display they put up at the Laurel Armory – And a lucky young participant got to be the ‘official tree lighter’ by flipping the switch that started all the magic – She was the cutest and did a great job! I was able to capture a video of some of the special effects too, including ‘snow’ coming from the rooftop of the Armory. It was great to see all the families who came out for the event, the kids having fun with the activities inside the Armory, photos with Santa, and more. It’s a great and memorable way to kick-off the holiday season here in Laurel!

Auto-generated description: A festive outdoor event features people gathered around a candy cane decoration, with some wearing winter clothing and Santa hats.

(Photo credit: City of Laurel)