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The nation’s largest nighttime parade of lighted and decorated fire trucks and floats features more than 2500 participants and 300 fire trucks from throughout New Jersey and from as far away as Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
“The fifteenth edition of Wallington’s favorite holiday parade promises to deliver an unrivaled spectacle of holiday lights for the thousands of spectators lining the streets of Wallington,” said Rich Pelcher, co-producer of the Wallington Fire Department Holiday Day Parade. “Firefighters look forward to our parade, as it is a time to celebrate their dedication to protecting their communities during the past year. The parade is our way of showing our respect to all these first responders.”
There is still time for area organizations, businesses, or community groups to participate in the parade. Information to register entries is available through the Wallington Fire Department's Parade website, and they must decorate floats with themes that celebrate the holiday season. Awards will be presented in various categories, including the top trophy, the Mayor's Award, for Best Overall presentation.
The inspiration for the annual event came from a trip to Florida.
"I used to go to Fort Lauderdale for Christmas in the 1990s and attended the famous Fort Lauderdale Christmas boat parade on the intercoastal waterway," said Pelcher. "When I got home I mentioned to other firefighters that we already decorate and light up our fire trucks when we go to children's homes during Christmas. So the parade started fifteen years ago."
The Wallington Fire Department Holiday Parade begins at 6 p.m. from Mount Pleasant and Roehrs Drive and concludes at the Veteran’s Monument on Union Boulevard and Paterson Avenue Immediately following the parade, the presentation of awards takes place at the Centennial Field, where participants and spectators can enjoy entertainment and refreshments.
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