Groton — Thousands of people lined Route 1 on Saturday to watch the 17th Annual Holiday Lights Parade, where marching bands, illuminated floats and firetrucks passed waving spectators from South Road to the Groton Shopping Plaza to celebrate the season.

The holiday lights parade is one of Groton’s most popular events, and this year featured Cap. Carl Lahti, commanding officer of Naval Submarine Base New London, as its grand marshal.

Santa arrived at the end of the parade by Navy security boat.

“The whole town comes out,” said Amanda Phelps of Groton, who marched with her three daughters and about 40 others from the Lighthouse Service Unit of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “It’s fun, it’s casual, but you see a lot of friends and neighbors.”

“There’s a lot of good floats,” said her daughter, Delaney, 10. “I don’t even know what my favorite part would be.”

Andy Sorenson, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, passed out candy canes, flashlights and pens along the parade route. “It’s a good chance to go out and see everybody, a friendly atmosphere, lots of kids and this year, the weather’s nice.”

More than 40 decorated firetrucks, cars and floats passed by along with more than 200 marchers from groups including the Junior Colonials Fife & Drum Corps, Christ United Methodist Church and The Very Merry Dickens Carolers.

“I like the fact that it gets us in the Christmas spirit. Makes you feel like there’s more to Christmas than just shopping,” said Julie Malone, of Groton, who watched the parade with her husband, their children, their golden retriever and two other neighborhood children.

Elese Burgess took video of her daughter, 9, as she danced in a silver skirt, glittery top and white tights and boots for The Lion’s Den Dance Company.

“She was excited, definitely excited to be in the parade,” Burgess said.

Families watched as the town tree was lit and parents lined up to have their children’s pictures taken with Santa. The band Steve Elci & Friends performed.

Judges watching the floats planned to announce winners in several categories: Finest Illumination, Sounds of the Season, Most Creative and Best Children's Entry.

The Groton Business Association, a member of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, created and hosted the event.

d.straszheim@theday.com

Twitter: @DStraszheim