Santa & friends parade through town!

Hundreds of people lined the streets to see Santa and his elves, who came to town riding atop a Methuen Fire ladder truck to kick off the holiday season.

Kevin Kattar was chosen as this year’s parade grand marshal.

He said, “I am humbled by the honor, but it is not just myself that I represent – it’s my whole family and Merrimack Golf Course.”

Acting Mayor DJ Beauregard said, “I chose Kevin and his family for all they do for the veterans of Methuen, from holding dinners and so many other events for them. It was just the right thing to do.”

Kattar’s longtime friend, Busty DiNoto, had the honor of driving Kevin in the parade.

Floats from each grammar school were beautifully decorated and adorned, following the parade theme “Holiday/Winter.” Children on the floats tossed candy canes and other treats to parade-goers.

Groups that participated included the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance, Interstate Gymnastics, Studio of Dance Arts, Methuen Karate Association, Dance Images, The Methuen Council on Aging, Methuen Village, Clean River Project, The New Magnolia Jazz Band, St. Monica’s Knights of Columbus, Haus of Athletes, Methuen Youth Hockey, Methuen Lacrosse, The Liberty Jazz Band, Mrs. Essex County and SADD (Students Against Destructed Decisions).

The Methuen High School Marching Band ended the parade with holiday music, followed by the Methuen Fire Department with Santa himself.

: Tenney Grammar School parents and students dressed as the characters from “Wizard of Oz,” complete with a tornado.

: Methuen Public School teachers marched together, wearing red sweatshirts and carrying signs reading “We Believe in our Students.” They’re in the midst of contract negotiations.

: Studio of Dance Arts students entertained parade-goers while carrying candy canes. ML photos by Nancy Reardon

: Santa Claus arrived in style high atop the Methuen Fire Department ladder truck.

: Students from MHS’ SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) program had fun marching in the parade. Members take part in many Methuen events.

: The Methuen High Marching Band’s instruments, including these horns, were adorned with Christmas decorations.

: Methuen Fire Department had their traditional “Little Red Wagon” carrying children and family members of the department.

: Merrimack Golf Course’s Kevin Kattar was honored to be chosen as parade grand marshal, and his longtime friend Busty DiNoto was happy to be his driver!