Massillon gearing up for annual holiday parade, light up celebration on Saturday

Amy L. Knapp, The Independent
·3 min read
A child holds up a giant piece of candy during last year's Massillon’s holiday parade. This year's parade steps off at 5 p.m. Nov. 19. The light up celebration follows in Duncan Plaza.
A child holds up a giant piece of candy during last year's Massillon’s holiday parade. This year's parade steps off at 5 p.m. Nov. 19. The light up celebration follows in Duncan Plaza.

MASSILLON ‒ As temperatures drop, the excitement for the holiday season is growing.

Decorations are going up over downtown and Santa's cottage has been placed in Duncan Plaza as the city gears up to welcome the holiday season with the annual holiday parade and light up night on Saturday.

More than 50 units of dance teams, local businesses and organizations, churches and marching bands will make their way down Lincoln Way.

The parade launches at 5 p.m. Saturday from Eighth Street NE and travels down Lincoln Way to First Street NW, where it turns and travels to Towne Plaza Shopping Center along Federal Avenue NW.

More: Other Massillon activitiesWhat's new at the Mu?: Pop-up violin performance planned

The Tiger Swing Band will lead Santa into town as the majorettes pull the sleigh.

"The weather is going to be cold, but it is perfect for Christmas," said Linda Benson, one of the parade organizers. "It puts you right in the mood for it. It has been so warm, and it was hard to get into Christmas when it is 70 degrees out."

She recommends dressing warm as the National Weather Services' forecast is calling for a high of 30 degrees and a low of 18. No precipitation is expected.

Massillon will host the annual holiday parade and light up night in Duncan Plaza on Saturday. The parade steps off at 5 p.m. from Eighth Street and Lincoln Way.
Massillon will host the annual holiday parade and light up night in Duncan Plaza on Saturday. The parade steps off at 5 p.m. from Eighth Street and Lincoln Way.

Downtown Massillon Association ready for light-up event

Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. in Duncan Plaza for the Downtown Massillon Association's light-up night celebration.

DMA President Holly Bryan-Huth said this year's event will be fun for all ages. Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry will be joined by Santa Claus for the lighting of the tree.

As part of the city's renovation of Duncan Plaza, a 7-foot Frasier fir was planted on the plaza to the left of the stage between the rain gardens to replace the large tree procured yearly to stand on the lawn of the museum.

"It's definitely grown since last year," Benson said.

Also coming to life will be the various light-displays placed in the plaza by the DMA.

The Washington High School Washingtonians, Northwest High School choir and other soloists will perform Christmas favorites on the plaza stage.

Visitors can also enjoy a free horse-drawn carriage ride and a train ride from the Little Roaming Railroad.

About a dozen local organizations and businesses will host crafts, treats, games and activities. Bryan-Huth said Santa will remain at the plaza until the last kid's wishes are heard. Visitors can sign up for a bike raffle.

Santa will be in his cottage beginning Nov. 25 every Thursday and Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. through Dec. 23.

New this year is a light display created by Comet Wanderer. The Christmas snow-themed light display will be Massillon-centric, she said, and will be projected onto the former Waikem building at Charles Avenue SE and First Street SE.

The lighting display was created by the same duo that created "Wonder: The Canton Light Festival" earlier this year for Canton.

The display was made possible through a grant from ArtsinStark and Visit Canton.

"It's something new and different to see," Bryan-Huth said. "It's really exciting."

Guests can purchase food from OG Street Eatz and Galaxy Grill food trucks.

Ashlynn Fithen 4, receives Santa’s first gift during the tree-lighting ceremony following Massillon’s holiday parade last year. This year's parade and light up night is Nov. 19.
Ashlynn Fithen 4, receives Santa’s first gift during the tree-lighting ceremony following Massillon’s holiday parade last year. This year's parade and light up night is Nov. 19.

Massillon Public Library hosts open house

Ahead of the Saturday evening events, the Massillon Public Library will host a Winter Wonderland open house from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Visitors will travel throughout the North Pole Village participating in different activities, including taking a free picture with Santa courtesy of Tidwell's Photography.

The library will have live music with performances by Franklin Elementary's 16th Street Singers and Stringed Fantasy, a hammered dulcimer band.

Families can also enjoy crafts, trains, learn to be an elf at the Elf Academy, and visit a live reindeer from 2 to 5 p.m.

Registration is not required. For more information, contact the Children’s Department at 330-832-9831, x317.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon to welcome holiday season with parade, light up night