Vineland parade shines light on holiday cheer

VINELAND - Landis Avenue was bustling with holiday cheer Saturday evening during the annual Main Street Vineland Holiday Parade.

The excitement kept building as each marching band, fire truck and brightly lighted float brought the eager children closer to the highlight of the parade: Santa and Mrs. Claus.

On a float holding a reindeer-pulled sleigh, Santa traveled down Landis Avenue and lighted the green and red holiday lights, marking the official start of the holiday season in Vineland.

“I think it’s singularly the most important event that we hold in the city,” said Russell Swanson, executive director of the Vineland Downtown Improvement District. “It brings out record numbers of people every year, and it’s a family event that everyone can participate in.”

The parade included a broad representation from the community. There were businesses, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations, marching bands and more. Participants worked to convey this year’s theme, “Light Up the World.”

“We just wanted to give some hope,” said Swanson. “There have been so many negative things going on. This was thought of many months ago because we wanted to share some optimism and spread some light.”

Prizes were awarded to the top three floats that best represented the parade theme, and only the participants who wished to compete were judged, said Swanson. Edgarton Christian Academy won first place, followed by the Spanish American Relief Fund in second place and Marie D. Duran Elementary School in third place.

Several schools participated in the parade, including the marching bands from Vineland High School, Millville Senior High School and Bridgeton High School.

Elizabeth Berrocales of Vineland and a group of friends and family entered a float in the parade for the first time this year.

“We just want to have fun. It’s a good way to relax and have a good time together,” said Berrocales.

Their colorful float was filled with their favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

Redeemer Lutheran Church in Vineland also entered their first float in this year’s parade. It was decorated with a Christmas tree and several large candles. Each candle listed the ways the church is spreading light in the community.

“We are excited about doing it,” said Pastor Gary Stiegler. “It made us ask what we are doing to spread the light.”

There were 90 entries in this year’s parade, which was presented by Main Street Vineland. BB&T Bank was the major sponsor, and the Cumberland County Improvement Authority was the secondary sponsor.