Around the Mountain by LJ James - The Catskill Parade Of Lights

CATSKILL — I am what is known as a transplant; I lived most of my life on Long Island before moving up here. I started coming up to the Greene County area in around 2005 or so, when my sister and her family moved up here. I would come up for Thanksgiving, and the next day we always went to the Catskill Parade of Lights on Friday. This became a family tradition, and I have made just about everyone since.

I remember having this feeling of community every year when I attended the parade. There is just "something" about this area that is a throwback to a simpler time when people cared about their community and each other, and I think that "something" really peaks each year at the Catskill Parade of Lights.

This year was no exception, with over 100 vehicles and floats. The parade kicked off from Dutchman’s Landing at 6:30 pm. Once again on the Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

We arrived on Main St early to get a good spot. The kids enjoyed FREE hot chocolate as we walked around, saying hi to friends and checking out vendors and the local shops. Everyone was super friendly, and that spirit of community that brought me to this area was as strong as ever.

When the parade started, we cheered and waved; we grabbed candy as people on the floats threw it out to all the children. The kids got hugs from all the awesome characters and a few pictures. There were a few Grinches, but hey, the Grinch has become a big part of the holidays. I loved the dancing witches from the "Witches along the Hudson." Hey, everyone is welcome to enjoy the holidays, right?

The parade ended with Mr. and Mrs. Claus waving to all the good little boys and girls. But the end of the parade was not the end of the event.

After the parade there was a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The annual lighting of the tree, photo ops with characters from the parade, and an awesome fireworks show.

We live in a great community, and I hope we all appreciate it. It's the time of year we put our differences aside, come together, and just enjoy our shared love of this community.

I am LJ James and I will see you Around the Mountain.