Cold and rainy weather proved not enough to dampen the spirits of people of all ages in Perry Friday evening, as the annual Lighted Holiday Parade and Holiday Celebration went on as planned and had a big turnout.

The community lined the streets of downtown Perry to take in the unique spectacle of a nighttime parade in November, and there was a warmth in the atmosphere, even if the temperatures were cold. Following the parade, everyone headed over to La Poste for the celebration, which included letters to Santa, cookies, wreaths for sale, pictures in a sleigh, music in the Cellar, and of course Santa himself meeting all the children. Event organizer Jenny Eklund was once again impressed with how well-attended the festivities were, which she said speaks to the spirit of the Perry community. “I’m absolutely overjoyed, a little overwhelmed, (and) happy. The line of people trying to get in, they’re four and five wide, and I don’t even know where the line ends all to see Santa! (I) just love it, I just love kicking off the season, (and) I love what Perry offers. I’m very proud of Perry, and I mean how can you not be? Look at it, it’s beautiful!”

Prior to the parade, many in the public were worried it might be cancelled due to the weather. However, Chamber of Commerce Director Lynsi Pasutti emphasized that it’s been held in every kind of adverse weather in the past and never been cancelled, and she said there was no way they were going to break that streak.