Groton kicks off holiday season with lights parade
Groton — Joyce Bergeson, 64, knew when she purchased her home at 1169 Poquonnock Road 35 years ago that it'd be prime parade-watching territory.
On Saturday night, Bergeson sat at the end of her driveway, coffee in hand, with her two granddaughters, Victoria, 10, and Gabi, 8, Martinez, who noted several times the nice view they had, just beyond the start of the Holiday Lights Parade.
It's become a tradition for the family to watch the holiday parade, now in its 19th year, and the town's 4th of July parade, when they host a big picnic and watch the procession pass by.
"It's fun to come out and see the parade," Bergeson said, noting the convenience of being able to go back inside to get a blanket or something to eat or to use the bathroom.
The 40 degree night was mild in comparison to past years. Bergeson recalled one particularly cold year when her grandson, barely a year old, was bundled up in blankets.
About 500 feet down the road, Curt Stern, of Groton, also was enjoying his perch on the patio of The Spot Café.
"Perfect seats," Stern said, as he and his wife, Merri, leaned over the wooden fence around the patio, snapping pictures with their cellphones. Though they've lived in Groton their whole lives, it was their first time watching the parade, which their son told them about.
At least 40 groups paraded along Poquonnock Road, ending at the Groton Shopping Center on Long Hill Road, where there was a tree-lighting ceremony with Santa. Participation in the event, which is sponsored by the Groton Business Association, has continued to increase.
"We love giving back and supporting the community we serve," said Angela McGuirk, local branch manager for Navy Federal Credit Union, dressed as a Christmas tree. This year, her employees decided to dress as lights, having dressed as presents last year.
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