Santa Parade Committee
Committee Work
This small volunteer committee works hard throughout the year to raise money and prepare for the holiday events. Your support throughout the year is what makes this all possible and we can’t thank you enough for it. We get great satisfaction with seeing the huge turn out of people for the parade and other events. It’s truly awesome to see a majority of the towns people, both young and old, standing in the doors and windows or at the end of their driveway on Christmas Eve, just to wave to Santa. It definitely adds a little more magic to the night.
The committee meets throughout the year on a monthly basis, until about September, when we meet every two weeks or so. New members are always welcome to join the committee and bring new ideas to the table. Please contact us if you have any questions.
The committee would like to thank you all for your support and generosity throughout the year and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Funds
Over $25,000 was needed to fund the 2024 Santa Committee events. A majority of this pays for the Shriners, bands, and entertainers for the parade and the rest covers the upkeep of Santa’s sleigh/reindeer, and decorations. Throughout the year, the Santa Committee raises money by organizing fundraisers which have included: car show, turkey raffle, scratch ticket raffle, boot drive, and generous donations from private citizens and businesses.
Contact Us
Please contact the Santa Parade Committee members, Arthur Amirault (978) 407-8537 or Lorin Clark (978) 265-5329.
History
The first Merrimac Santa Parade was in 1948 consisting of a small car, a few marchers and a borrowed trailer with Santa and his sleigh decorated with greens. The parade started at Kimball’s barn located to the left of Skip’s, went to the square and back.
1950’s
Sometime around 1952 or 1953, Masonite reindeer were added to the sleigh. The early 1950’s also brought Santa’s annual Christmas Eve ride into being. Santa, his sleigh and team of reindeer travel down every street in town. Only once, in the late 1950’s was the ride cancelled due to road conditions. This is a magical tradition that the entire community looks forward to, both young and old.
1960’s
The mid 60’s brought the eight reindeer as we know them today and a dedicated trailer for the float was acquired. In 1989, a ninth reindeer was added to the sleigh. Using his shiny nose to lead the team, Rudolph completed the set.
Modern Day
The trailer has been restored over the past few years with new decking, electrical system, sound system, lighting, a restored sleigh, a new axle and wheels. 2009 brought some TLC to the 50-year-old reindeer, including some minor repairs and fresh grooming. Each year the committee prepares and decorates the trailer in late November and breaks it all down for storage just after Christmas.
As mentioned, the Christmas parades started in 1948 and went to 1971 when they were discontinued due to the high expense of the event. For a time, bands would march in the parade if they were provided with a bus and a meal at the end of the parade, usually a ham and bean supper. 1984 brought back the parade that we all enjoy today. A lot of the entertainment within the parade today requires a fee for their appearance.
Currently the Committee organizes and raises funds the annual Santa parade, maintains and decorates Santa’s sleigh and assists decorations for the town square. One of the highlights in town is for everyone to see Santa throughout this special time. Santa and his sleigh attend the annual Merrimac Light Department tree lighting ceremony held in December at Kimball Park. Everyone is able to get their photo taken with Santa at a “cookies with Santa,” meet and greet, hosted by the Fire Department Couplings in December. And on Christmas Eve, Santa can be seen throughout the streets of Merrimac.