Kicking off the holiday season with a bang

by Dan Holland

The holiday season kicked off in Brecksville Dec. 1 as hundreds of area residents turned out for the city’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting. The parade, co-sponsored by the Cuyahoga Valley Native Sons & Daughters, featured a long line of floats, vehicles and live animals parading down Brecksville Road from city hall to public square.

Activities on the square included visits with Santa and holiday music, along with the singing of traditional holiday songs from a choral group and a sing-along for kids featuring Santa, Frosty and Rudolph.

A tent set up on the square featured booths, with one serving cookies and hot chocolate. A festive games booth allowed attendees to select a candy cane lollipop from a Christmas tree, with the color on the bottom of the lollipop designating which prize could be chosen. Prizes included a Santa hat, holiday-themed sunglasses, a light-up necklace or a stuffed reindeer. 

An ice carving demonstration and tree lighting ceremony were followed by a 20-minute-long fireworks show. Awards were also presented for best parade floats by category.

The Brecksville Historical Association showcased its annual Christmas ornaments – all available for purchase – with proceeds benefitting the group’s efforts to preserve and celebrate Brecksville’s history.

Kevin and Betsy Coholan, of Brecksville, attended the parade and tree lighting with children Christian and Collins. “We always look forward to this as a kickstart to the holiday season,” said Kevin Coholan. “We look forward to seeing all the floats and vehicles in the parade and then visiting with Santa afterwards.”

Brecksville Councilperson Dan Bender attended with his wife and four children, with all six family members participating in the Christmas parade. 

“The girls and our son were all in the parade with St. Basil’s Church, and my wife and I walked with city council,” he explained. “This is such a great community event, and we’re all excited to be here.”

Brecksville resident Ellie Jachna, with daughters Adeline and Madison, along with Maddie Campbell-Graham, enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate along with a visit with Santa on the square. “It’s such a fun time coming here and watching the parade, and then seeing all of the lights and the fireworks afterwards,” she said.“The City of Brecksville’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, with fireworks, was a tremendous success, bringing together the community in a joyful celebration of the holiday season,” said Mayor Daryl Kingston. “This cherished tradition holds a special place in the hearts of both residents and visitors, serving as a reminder of the warmth, togetherness and holiday cheer that define our city. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories and showcased the strong sense of community and pride that makes our city so special, making this holiday season even more meaningful for all who attended.”

photo caption: The Christmas Ponies strut their stuff during the Dec. 1 holiday parade. Photo by Dan Holland.