Welcome
The 54th Annual Holiday Parade kicks off on Saturday, December 3rd at 5:30PM. The parade begins at the Osram plant on Portsmouth Avenue. The route heads south on Portsmouth Avenue then turns right onto Water Street. The procession continues past the Bandstand where the parade participants and award winners are introduced. The parade route continues past the Swasey Parkway on to Main Street. Participants are encouraged to continue along the route towards Lincoln Street where parents and chaperones are waiting in warm cars!
This magical event draws children of all ages to line the streets of Exeter. Last year's parade featured illuminated floats, horse drawn wagons, colorful marching bands, several beauty queens and yes, a special visit from Santa Claus.
This evening event is considered one of the finest parades in the seacoast area. So, bring your family, friends and neighbors and celebrate the magic of the holiday season, Exeter-style.
Next Committee Meeting
When: TBD 2012
Where: Barn @ 15 Drinkwater Road, Exeter, NH
Click here to view a 2011 54th Annual Exeter Parade Highlight Video in a new window
I want to thank all of the volunteers, local associations, area businesses, residents, bands, performers, students, and civic organizations that came together to make the 54th Annual Exeter Holiday Parade on 3 December 2011 a safe and memorable one.
This parade cannot happen without the performers, area residents, families and children that come out each year to experience and share in this rich tradition that is a celebration of the holidays and the fabric of community.
This year as in years past, Exeter area communities came together to spend time huddled together as a community in the cool weather that New England is known for; to experience a magical moment. It is the arrival of the holiday season with the celebration of Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza and Festivus for the Rest of Us! While each of us has our traditions, it takes an entire community and all of its members to come together and carry on this event that was started in 1957.
It is with the support and involvement of the entire community that ensures this event will continue to put smiles on the faces of the children watching the bands, performers, floats and finally the arrival of Santa’s float led by Rudolph and the other reindeer at the conclusion of the parade.
The parade is organized by volunteer committee with members who donate their time and often their own money throughout the year to plan, coordinate, raise funds, acquire permits, manage logistics and clean up the day of the parade, meets with the town of Exeter and its Police Department to review and ensure that the guidelines, laws and regulations are followed for parades each year. During these last nine years, it has been and will continue to be an honor to work with a very special group volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to make this magical event happen each year.
Many local businesses provide direct financial support and in-kind donations that help the Exeter Parade Committee continue to run and organize a parade each year — thank you for your continued support. If you feel inclined to donate you can send a check to Exeter Christmas Parade, P.O. Box 164, Exeter, NH 030833. If you are interested in volunteering, send an e-mail to volunteer@exeterholidayparde.
The following is not a complete list of all of the individuals, families, businesses and organizations that have helped with the 54th Annual parade, and if I have forgotten to include you or your company in this list I apologize in advance:
Thank you to: Dan & Blythe Brown Foundation, Graham Tire & Auto, Mark Erickson of WOKQ, Exeter TV 22 Video Team, WXEX, Exeter News-Letter, Beth Dupell, Pam Cameron, David Black, Eileen Blanchard, Kevin Priest, Bill & Sharon Bernier, Bob & Paula Pacy, Pete Corbet and the Exeter HAM Radio Operators Team, Al Lampert, Al’s Automotive Service Center, Bob Welch, Exeter Country Club, Exeter Jewelers, La Cave a Vin of Exeter, Exeter Cycles, RCP Electric, Unitil Corporation, Exeter Copy & More, High Street Grocery, Signs of the Times, Osram Sylvania, Exeter Area New Car Dealers Association, Foss Motors, Exeter Lumber, Exeter Area Kiwanis Club, Rogan’s , Patriot Trophy & Awards, LLC, Exeter Department of Public Works, Exeter Police Department, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department, Swasey Parkway Board of Trustees, Town of Exeter, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gleason, and my wife Kathy Lewis Thompson for being understanding and supportive during the magical days leading up to and after the parade thank you.
Save the Date: 55th Annual Exeter Holiday Parade Saturday December 1, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Darius X. Thompson, Managing Director, Exeter Holiday Parade Committee
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Volunteers Needed! The Holiday Parade Committee meets throughout the year to organize this spectacular event. The meeting schedule can be found on the meetings link. Volunteers are especially needed the week of the event and the day of the parade. This parade features over 100 floats which means significant traffic and crowd control. Please attend one of the meetings or send an e-mail to express your interest in helping out. No reasonable offer refused! |
your financial support and in-kind donations ensure
that we have a successful 54th Annual Exeter Holiday Parade for 2011
Dan & Blythe Brown Foundation
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Exeter Jewlers |
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© 2011 Exeter Holiday Parade | website designed by Exeter Copy & More