To the Editor:

Despite the chilly weather, holiday spirits were high as crowds lined the streets of Merrimack on Sunday, Dec. 7, for the annual holiday parade hosted by the Merrimack Parks and Recreation Department and the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce.

The sounds of percussion from the Merrimack High School marching band filled the air, colorful floats, Girl Scouts troops, Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops marched along, sending holiday cheer.

The parade traveled from the Merrimack Commons Shopping Plaza to Abbie Griffin Park, where the tree lighting ceremony was held. We sincerely appreciate Tractor Supply for allowing us the use of their parking lot to organize the parade.

Pictures of this festive event are available on the Merrimack Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s parade.

The Police Department Honor Guard members led the parade, closely followed by the DARE vehicle with Police Chief Mark Doyle. The amazing Merrimack High School marching band under the direction of Pat Cunningham, Holly Morales and the Merrimack Girl Scouts, Boy Scout and Cub Scout packs, Belinda Bridgeman Academy of Dance, Merrimack Friends and Family, Merrimack Sno-Buds, Scott Murphy’s State Farm Insurance, Northeast Credit Union, the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce sleigh with Santa and Mrs. Claus driven by Mark Rivet of Rivet Funeral Home & Crematorium, and the Merrimack Fire Department’s display of fire trucks for the big finish!

We would also like to thank, the Chamber of Commerce and Parks and Recreation Committee members Laura Jaynes and Jackie Flood, who were instrumental in their assistance before and during the parade.

We also wish to extend a sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who participated in the tree lighting ceremony.

Special thanks to our distinguished guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Merrimack High School marching band, Belinda Bridgeman Academy of Dance, Alice Donahoe and Merrimack Girl Scouts Troop 10688 for serving the community with their delicious cookies and hot chocolate, Merrimack Flower Shop & Greenhouse for donating decorations and time to make the bandstand beautiful for the holidays, and last but certainly not least, the Merrimack Police Department for their community support during this popular event!

Thank you all so much for making the season bright! The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Department and the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a wonderful new year!

Kelly Valluzzi
Town of Merrimack
Parks and Recreation Department