NORWICH – Between 4,500 and 5,000 spectators are expected to kick off the holiday season as the 16th annual Parade of Lights makes its way through the city on Saturday, and event organizer Linda Green said this year’s parade will be one of the largest ever.

Featuring a dozen fire-fighting apparatus and 27 other floats – the most ever, according to Green – the parade will include approximately 56 units, several of which have between 25 and 60 participants. Bands, horses, clowns, local merchants and organizations and so much more will be on display at this year’s event, said Green, who added a complete parade line-up can be found in today’s Evening Sun.

Santa Claus will also make his grand entrance into the city for the holiday season – traveling on the retired Hook and Ladder truck now owned by Chris Ulatowski of The Label Gallery – and will once again take up residence in his igloo, located in East Park, following the parade.

“I just love the beautiful lights, the creativity of the community, the children’s excitement and that so many, young and old, have told me how much they enjoy the parade year after year,” said Green, who is retiring as the event’s organizer after 16 years of dedication and hard work. “Over the past 16 years, it’s always been the overwhelming generosity of our business community and local merchants, Fire Department and Police Department who make sure this is a great event.”

The general and fire equipment floats will compete separately once again for a chance at best of show, according to Green, with $1,400 in cash prizes up for grabs. This year’s competition will be judged by Robert Handy, Patty Brown, David Law, Susan Wood, Justin Matteson and Virginia Law.

Local favorites Hailey and Shawn will give a special holiday performance prior to the parade, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in West Park, she added.

Snyder Communications President Dick Snyder had nothing but praise for Green and her 16 years of commitment to the Parade of Lights.