Ho, Ho, Ho! North Andover Santa Parade Gearing Up

It's that time of year again, when the community comes together with its huge holiday season parade and Santa comes to North Andover on a fire truck to spread the Christmas spirit.

The 2012 North Andover Santa Parade will be on Saturday, Nov. 24. The parade will assemble at about 11 a.m. at North Andover Middle School and start its march down Main Street at noon. the parade will proceed down Main Street to Elm Street, to Water Street and back onto Main Street, and it will end at the intersection of Main Street and Sutton Street.

The Police Department and the Festival Committee are asking businesses and local organizations to enter a float or participate in the parade, North Andover Police Sgt. Eric Foulds says.

This year will have something new -- a float contest. Floats participating in the parade will be judged and awarded various place ribbons. There will also be participation ribbons.

Anyone wishing to participate may contact Sgt. Foulds for details at 978-683-3168 or efoulds@napd.us.

The parade will feature many bands and, of course, Santa in the back of the parade. Grand Marshall will be Selectman Donald Stewart, who will ride in front of the parade.

That day will also be Small Business Saturday, so you'll have a chance to do some shopping in the town's many small businesses before and after the parade.

The North Andover Merchants Association, via donations from local businesses, will be sponsoring the Stuart Highlander Band.