Holiday parades this weekend in Catskill, Cairo

More than 50 organizations are registered for the parade and many will have several vehicles, said Village Trustee Natasha Law, one of the parade organizers.

Friday night’s event marks the return of the parade to Main Street. A smaller parade was held along different routes the past two years, due to concerns over attracting large crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic, Law said.

The popular event that kicks off the holiday season in Catskill will feature a large number of fire companies, churches, businesses and community groups, dozens of floats, and many cartoon characters.

The vehicles and floats in the parade will be decked out with Christmas lights and decorations, with many of them playing holiday music.

Thousands of parents and children often arrive in Catskill early to pick out the best spots to view the parade and catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, who is always at the end.

After lining up on Water Street, the parade will head down Main Street promptly at 7 p.m.

The parade will turn right onto West Bridge Street, and then right on West Main Street,where it ends at Catskill High School.

Shortly after the parade concludes, a tree-lighting ceremony will be held at the Greene County Office Building, 411 Main St. Santa will also return to Main Street, where he will meet with the children at High Rock Home at Joe’s Garage Catskill, 443 Main St.

Many village businesses are offering special holiday deals and will be handing out holiday treats and offering activities for children Friday night, as many will remain open late, Law said.

There will also be food trucks parked on Church Street beginning at 5 p.m.

The parade will be held rain or shine and is organized by the Catskill Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

The holiday spirit in Greene County continues Saturday night with the annual Parade of Lights in Cairo.

Cairo’s celebration will, again, include fireworks this year.

The celebration will begin at 3 p.m. with a craft fair at the Cairo Fire House until 7 p.m.

Participants in the parade will line up beginning at 6 p.m. along Cedar and Birch streets.

The parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. and heads up Main Street to the area of Railroad Avenue.

Following the parade there will be a tree-lighting ceremony at Town Hall and Santa will be there to meet with the children at Cairo Fire House.

The fireworks are scheduled to take place following the tree lighting.

The annual event is sponsored by the Town of Cairo, Cairo Chamber of Commerce and Cairo Hose Company.