By Jessica Schultz-
Winter is here!! The snow is falling, the temperature is dropping and Christmas lights are going up. There is always something happening in ski country during December and you don’t want to miss any of the fun. That’s why you should head down to Main Street and Jefferson Park in Salamanca, NY on Saturday, December 3rd from 6-8pm for the Silver Bells “Light Up the Night” Parade 2022. This is a great family friendly activity. Dress warm, have some hot cocoa and cookies, watch the parade and see Santa all in one night!!
The Villager had the opportunity to speak with Seneca Salamanca Chamber member Gary Quattrone and parade coordinator Donna Raahauge about what can be expected at this year’s parade.
The Villager (V): Silver Bells 2022, how big is the parade looking to be this year?
Donna (D): “We are hoping to have a good turnout for this year. Everyone is welcome to participate. I would really like to see more groups, businesses, and even farms and neighbors. We want to LIGHT UP THE NIGHT!”
Gary (G): “It’s going to be a big evening. There is a FREE showing of the animated movie THE STAR at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater at 4pm. Parade down main street at 6pm. Santa will light the lights in Jefferson Park and there will be free music, cookies, and hot cocoa while supplies last.
V: Could you give us a little sneak peek in to a couple of the participating floats?
D: “The Corner Deli will be putting in their float again this year. They always do a fantastic job. We can’t wait to see what their theme is this year. The Ellicottville Band will be participating again this year. We enjoy the addition of their Christmas music. We are hoping to have some horse riders with lights and bells on the horses. If there are any individual riders or a stable, we would welcome their participation.
Since this is an evening parade, all groups must have Christmas lights on them. Walkers can use the lighted necklaces, blinking hats or anything else they can think of to make it festive.”
“We accept participation right up to the time we start the parade. Decorated cars with a Christmas theme are welcome. I usually have my car decorated with lights and tinsel.”
V: What do you feel makes this event so special?
D: “What makes this parade special is that everyone can join in. We are celebrating Salamanca native Ray Evans who wrote “Silver Bells”. I’d like to think that he’d enjoy our parade.”
V: Does the Salamanca Chamber have any other projects in the works for the Holiday season?
G: “We do. We’ve got a lot of great events planned as we continue “Silver Bells in the City” (Sponsored by the Ray and Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation and the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce) through the 17th of December. After the parade on the 3rd, Swan Street Florist is hosting a live meet up with Santa and his reindeer from 12-2pm. There will be baked goods, crafts and you can bring your letters to put in Santa’s mailbox out front. December 8-10 is when the Salamanca High School will be performing Elf Jr. the Musical. December 10th, local establishment Myer’s Steakhouse is offering the opportunity for breakfast with Santa and also on the 10th, the Seneca Allegany Casino is hosting “A Boy Band Christmas” concert. All of the many events culminate on the 17th of December, where from 4-6:30pm guests can visit the rail museum and track the merry old elf’s Christmas progress and then at 7pm, the Ray Evans Seneca Theater will be having the Silver Bells Holiday Show.”
“The Holiday show at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater is directed by William J. Steffen and Kathryn Black. Cost of admission is $5. There will be over two dozen acts including: vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers from Salamanca, Olean, Bradford, Randolph, Jamestown, and beyond. A perfect family friendly event, with a few special surprises for the kids!”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
D: “We hope everyone joins us on the 3rd to participate or watch as we light up the night in Salamanca for the Silver Bells Parade and that everyone in our community gets the chance to visit some of the other Holiday festivities as well.”
Thank you, Donna and Gary, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing such great info on all of the upcoming Silver Bells in the City activities. Don’t miss out everyone!!