UPDATE: Webster Holiday Parade

First responders share more details about the ‘resurrected’ holiday parade

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Webster, NY - It is confirmed: there will, in fact, be a Webster Parade of Lights this year - albeit a bit different from years past.

NEQALS President/CEO Syed Ahmed Mustafa shared more details about the plans for the “resurrected” Webster parade in an official press release earlier today.

The announcement included more details about directions and registration.

All the known details are as follows:

• On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m., community members can DRIVE THRU the Xerox parking lot on San Jose Drive where emergency vehicles, area businesses, and community groups will be parked.

• Spectators will be directed to approach the event via Salt Road, turning west onto San Jose Drive.

• Spectators can enjoy the lights and music from the safety and warmth of their cars.

• A pre-event viewing time from 3 to 4 p.m. will be reserved for those with special needs and the elderly.

• Attendees will be asked to sign up online for one of the eight 30 minute time slots to manage traffic flow.

• Visitors can register on the EventBrite website.

Mustafa is spearheading the reorganization of the annual “Parade of Lights,” adapting it to the unexpected conditions of COVID-19. The original parade, which traditionally passes through the Village of Webster during the “White Christmas in the Village” event every December, was canceled this year due to the pandemic.

It was a classic community favorite hosted by the Webster Fire Department, featuring dozens of first responder vehicles, floats from community agencies and local businesses, marching bands, and more - all clad in holiday lights and Christmas decorations.

According to Mustafa, who is also Chairman of the Webster Emergency Responder Council, the idea to recreate the parade was originally “sparked” by Blake Richey, a 6-year-old Klem North Elementary student.

Mustafa has since presented the idea to the Town of Webster Parks and Recreation Department, the Webster Economic Development Alliance, the Webster Chamber of Commerce, the Webster Business Improvement District, and other Webster entities. They are all on board.

“This parade is a tradition that the Webster Fire Department has put on for years, and both community participants and spectators look forward to every year,” said Mustafa. “While we understand the reason the Governor has asked us not to hold parades, we didn’t want COVID to cancel another meaningful community event.”

Mustafa encourages local businesses and civic organizations to participate in “what will be a safe and creative way to reach out to their customers and remind community members that their shops are open for business.”

For more information about the event, and any first responder agencies, businesses and community organizations wishing to participate, contact 2020websterparadeoflights@neqals.org.