Town of Wallkill Kicks Off Christmas Season with Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Local residents flocked to Wallkill Winning Way on November 30, braving the chilly weather to enjoy the town’s annual holiday parade.

Some attendees brought folding chairs and warm blankets, while others opted to watch from their car trunks, or stood at the curb, joyfully waving as the parade passed.

“We had more attendees than last year, and everyone had a great time,” stated Wallkill Supervisor George Serrano, whose office coordinated the event, in an interview with The Epoch Times.

“I appreciate everyone who came out, and I wish all a happy holiday.”

At the forefront of the parade was a jail cell trailer featuring the Grinch, the iconic character from Dr. Seuss’s stories, notorious for his disdain for Christmas and his plots to ruin the festivities.

Following the Grinch were youth groups, educational organizations like the local girls’ club, the Circleville chapter of the American Heritage Girls, and Northern Academy, along with local businesses and nonprofit participants including Pets Alive, an animal rescue organization located in Middletown.

Vicki Mastronardi, a dedicated volunteer for Pets Alive, remarked that the parade not only brought holiday cheer but also emphasized the importance of community service.

“Any contribution—be it time, money, or effort—is valuable,” Mastronardi shared with The Epoch Times. “No donation is too small.”

The parade prominently featured an impressive lineup of decorated fire engines and trucks from seven volunteer fire departments that serve the expanding town: Bloomingburg, Circleville, Howells, Mechanicstown, Pocatello, Silver Lake, and Washington Heights.

Concluding the parade was a festive float featuring individuals dressed as Santa Claus, sponsored by Dogwood Acres Family Farm.

The family farm also contributed a beautifully decorated Christmas tree near Galleria Drive, which was illuminated in front of an enthusiastic crowd following the parade.

“This is a tradition we uphold each year, and it’s always fulfilling to give back to the community,” said Steve Wagner, owner of the family farm.

A captivating part of the evening was a drone show, where approximately 100 drones lit up the night sky with colorful displays, creating various holiday-themed patterns above the Christmas tree that wowed the attendees.

Craig Speckenbach, a resident of Minisink, expressed that his favorite moment of the night was the holiday dance performed by the Artistic Dance Connection, which his teenage daughter participated in.

This marks the third year that the Middletown-based dance company has been involved in the holiday festivities.

The annual parade and tree lighting celebration has been a beloved tradition in the town for nearly ten years.

The event not only featured returning participants but also welcomed newcomers, such as the Falun Gong Club of Orange County, whose members include many families from abroad who have recently settled in the area. Parade coordinator Louie Russo noted, “We feel thrilled to be part of this grand holiday celebration and to showcase our culture within the community.”

Pastor Joe Nieves from the Middletown-based Transformation Church reminded holiday revelers of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of faith.

“As a child in the Bronx, I detested a tradition my father enforced. Before we unwrapped gifts, we had to read the ‘Christmas Story.’ It was challenging, especially when all I wanted was to open presents!” Nieves recounted to the audience.

“Before we illuminate this tree, let’s remember the reason for the season and ensure we keep Christ in Christmas,” he concluded, followed by a brief prayer.

Present at the event were various state and county officials, including Assemblywoman-elect Paula Kay, Orange County Judge Craig Brown, County Clerk Kelly Eskew, along with legislators Mike Paduch, Robert Sassi, and Janet Sutherland.

Town officials such as councilmen Eric Valentin and Mark Coyne, clerk Louisa Ingrassia, tax receiver Linda Harahan, and public works commissioner Lou Ingrassia were also in attendance.