Folks inherit or fall into holiday traditions in many ways - and however it happens, they become cherished seasonal highlights.

A Christmasy thing we in the Koster family look forward to is the annual East Lyme Light Parade. We were introduced to this event by our friends and colleagues Mike DiMauro and Karin Crompton, and now it is simply not an option to miss the greatness, which takes place Sunday on Main Street.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the parade, wherein thousands line the street to watch a variety of sparkling, glittery, illumined floats - each custom designed and built by local businesses and civic groups - roll by in glorious fashion.

In the true spirit of the season, this year, a mobile food drive Fill a Float will be part of the fun. Sponsors are asking that people bring a non-perishable food item to contribute to the float and help feel local families.

- RICK KOSTER

East Lyme Light Parade, 5 p.m. Sun. (rain date is 6 p.m. Mon.), Main Street, Niantic; free, a donation of a nonperishable food item is requested; eastlymelightparade.com.

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