On Behalf of the DBA members,
It certainly takes a village, and ours so happens to be a village with the holiday spirit. The Parade and Celebration had a lot of traditional elements but some very new. It was a great mixture with a beautiful ( chilly and windy) day. This post by Lucia sums it up:
Just a complete joy! Children up and down the parade route and in the parade were beaming with excitement and happiness. Your team and you carried on a proud Brockton tradition of making children happy. It is our inner strength as a city.
It is our inner strength as a city ❤!
There are sooooooo many to thank (I had been advised to not name people, but I am going to, as it means a lot to me that those names know that they are appreciated) and the top of the list is Amanda Glennon, Parade and Celebration Chair. Her creativity and organizational skills took things up a notch.
Supporting Amanda were the Team Captains who took personal time to take on various duties, Shaleah, Lisa, Maureen, Pegi, Megan, Cindy, Tricia and Scott (Dwyer). Their work was supplemented by John Merian’s support and guidance.
A huge shout out to our partners, the Montello Business Association, Scott and Greg and to the Brockton Public Library staff and Pat Monteith and the Mayor Bob Sullivan and his staff, Marcy and Kimsone, for coordinating events at City Hall, and City Councilors, specifically, Councilor Thompson and President Lally who were always a phone call away. The Brockton Public Schools, Supt. Mike Thomas, Dr. Cobb, and Jess Hodges for getting the word out, and transporting the BPS students to the parade.
Hugo Dematos, taking on treasurer duties in a critical time and handling it with poise and comfort. Capt. Porcaro, wow! He was on every one of our meetings and remained calm, even up to the point when I was telling him that a trackless train was going around downtown.
Anthony Fowler and BEMA for always having a special eye for making sure that the parade came off safely AND for securing the MSP’s helicopter flyover! Anthony’s advice was ever-present. Santa, John McGarry for being part of the tradition and a caring and real Santa and Linda Teixeira Reyes for being Ms. Clause, a quote from Linda who had a young person say, “Santa and Ms. Clause, they look like my family!”
Thank you to the businesses that participated in creating special menus and offerings, the food vendors, the marketpace vendors, we appreciate you and being part of our community. I think everyone sold out of everything. ?
Brockton Community Access for working with us to promote and the biggest part to cover so that those who could not make the parade, could see it. See more @ Brockton Holiday Parade 2022
Chief Perez and Chief Nardelli and their staff for keeping us all safe. Other departments who made the day a success: DPW, Licensing, Parks and Recreation, Building Department, Fire Department – inspectional services, Parking Authority, and Board of Health.
Our volunteers, if I have left out anyone, my apologies.
Last but certainly not least, to our families, in my case, Casey and Daveson, our lives all get placed on hold, and you saw the stress of the work and hours that we as volunteers put in, on top of the full-time job that we have (and get paid for) thank you for supporting us. You are our inner strength ❤
And this…follow-up:
I must eat my own words…. (I had been advised to not name people, but I am going to, as it means a lot to me that those names know that they are appreciated)
OMG, I forgot to mention Lynch’s towing in my email below – I am so sorry.
David, Sean, and Lynch’s Towing Staff – thank you a gazillion times over.
Your generosity of supplying flatbeds, storing Santat’s sleigh and cleaning it, being part of the touch a truck, being in the parade AND helping sinking Frosty come back to life LOL. The parade would hands down not happen without you. Know that you are appreciated as we are grateful for your support.
This all happened while you were responding to cars breaking down and the tragedy at the Hingham Apple store.
You are angels on this earth and part of this City’s inner strength! We will see you soon.
Love,
Mary Waldron, President, Downtown Business Association
Check out our thank you video – click here.
35th Holiday Celebration and Parade: