Steve Cirillo named grand marshal of 2023 Portsmouth holiday parade

Special to Seacoastonline
·2 min read

PORTSMOUTH — Steve Cirillo, performing arts coordinator for the city's schools, has been named grand marshal for the city's 2023 holiday parade.

The parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Cirillo was chosen by Mayor Deaglan McEachern to lead the parade because he "exemplifies the spirit of generosity and commitment to the community.”

Cirillo, who is being honored for more than 35 years of service in city schools, will lead the parade along with the Portsmouth High School band.

Steve Cirillo, performing arts coordinator for Portsmouth schools, is being honored for more than 35 years of service by being named grand marshal for the city's 2023 holiday parade.
Steve Cirillo, performing arts coordinator for Portsmouth schools, is being honored for more than 35 years of service by being named grand marshal for the city's 2023 holiday parade.

Cirillo joined the school system in 1988 as junior high school band director and percussion teacher. Since 2011, he has been overseeing all programs of the K-12 performing arts program, including classroom music, re-introducing classroom drama, instrumental and choral programs.

He also oversees all after-school activities for the performing arts. Between 2003 and 2013 he took the PHS percussion ensemble to the World Percussion Championships eight times, winning five silver medals and two world championships.

“I'm proud of the kids and what they have accomplished in performance and building community everywhere they go," Cirillo said. "Yes, we have won awards on the world and national stage, but I think what we do in the community is an even greater reward. Portsmouth is a great city that values education and the arts! It has been an incredible ride. I am truly blessed to have been part of it!”

McEachern also announced 7-year-old Cody Bureau and his family will help him "flip the switch" in the 5 p.m. tree lighting ceremony in Market Square before the parade. The ceremony will also feature music from the Portsmouth middle and high school holiday ensemble.

In launching his petition for colorful LED lights on Facebook, Cody wrote, “My dad really likes white lights, but my mom and I love colored lights more because they are more fun.” Bureau’s successful effort includes a GoFundMe campaign, running now through the holidays raises funds for the lights and two charities, I Got Bridged and Smile Train.

More: Portsmouth 2023 holiday parade and tree lighting. Here's what to know before you go.

As many as 10,000 spectators are expected to line the one-mile route. See the website for more information.

For more parade information, please contact parade coordinator, Brinn Sullivan at 603-767-2697 or parade@cityofportsmouth.com.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Steve Cirillo named grand marshal of 2023 Portsmouth holiday parade