MERRIMACK — All systems are go for the event that has served for years as the official kickoff to the holiday season in town.

After being interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Merrimack Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony returns this year on Sunday, Dec. 5, with the parade kicking off at 3 p.m. from the Commons Shopping Plaza, 515 Daniel Webster Highway.

There, the various floats, along with other vehicles and groups of marchers, will take their places in line ahead of the 3 p.m. start.

The parade will proceed south on Daniel Webster Highway, and take a right when it reaches Baboosic Lake Road. It will then turn left onto McElwain Street, and disband in the Town Hall parking lot.

Participants will then walk down the hill to the Abbie Griffin Park and join those who have gathered to take part in the tree lighting ceremony, which is estimated to start at 3:45 p.m.

Courtesy photo All was quiet at the Abbie Griffin Park after the crowd that had gathered to take part in the tree lighting ceremony disbursed following a recent Merrimack Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting celebration. (Courtesy photo)

Those invited to take part in the parade include local community groups, businesses, civic organizations, clubs and even individual families or neighborhoods, according to Matt Casparius, director of the Parks & Recreation Department.

There is no charge to enter, but those wishing to do so must register by Thursday, Dec. 2. To register, go to merrimackparksandrec.org/holiday-happenings, scroll down and click on the green box at right.

Casparius said the theme for this year’s parade, “Building a Bridge to Merrimack’s Future,” was chosen in recognition of the town’s 275th anniversary.

A $50 Amazon gift card will be awarded to the participants whose entries best represent the parade’s theme in three categories: Best business float, best community organization float; and best family/neighborhood float.

Casparius also reminded residents that collection boxes will be placed at the park for those wishing to donate canned and other non-perishable foods to help fill shelves at the food pantries at St. John Neumann and St. James churches.

Courtesy photo Santa and Mrs. Claus, accompanied by a group of children, wave to parade-goers from their float during a recent holiday parade in Merrimack. This year's parade and tree lighting takes place Dec. 5. (Courtesy photo)

“This year more than most, the need is great,” Casparius said of food pantry donations.

For more information or questions, go to merrimackparksandrec.org/holiday-happenings or contact Casparius at mcasparius@merrimacknh.gov or the Parks & Recreation Department at 882-1046.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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