Millerton celebrates the holidays

MILLERTON — Residents from Millerton and around the Tri-state area made their way to the village on Friday, Nov. 24, to welcome in the holidays. It was a Black Friday celebration to remember, with events and activities scheduled throughout the day.

With a free screening of the popular film, “ELF,” shown at The Moviehouse that morning, the day kicked off with flair and frivolity at 9:30 a.m.

A couple of hours later, revelers had the chance to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village, again for no charge.

Throughout the day, businesses welcomed shoppers, and window shoppers, with cookies and cocoa. 

Come 5:30 p.m., the annual Parade of Lights kicked off from Eddie Collins Park. The parade made its way up Elm Avenue to Main Street, and then to the firehouse on Century Boulevard, where children and their families were invited to visit with Santa. Again, there were free refreshments and even gifts for the little ones.

All in all, it was a successful holiday celebration — exactly what those who attended expected after enjoying the tradition for so many years.

“We come every year,” said Millerton resident Melissa Spadaccini. “It’s just interesting. We like the lights. It’s a nice tradition. We come to this one tonight and then go to Pine Plains tomorrow.”

The Tubervilles of Millerton also try to attend every year, though last year their 1-year-old son, Thomas, was just too young.

“We didn’t come last year because he was so little,” said Rachel Tuberville. “But I think it’s nice they do something like this every year. I don’t think they did it when I was little. And we came so he could see Santa.”

Wassaic’s Jessica Power was also there with friends and family.

“The kids, they love it,” she said. “And we love to see the  firetrucks and the lights. It’s pretty good. It’s a nice community thing, and it’s nice to see them doing this for everyone.”

“I like coming out here so I can see the lights,” said 15-year-old Pine Plains resident Sarah Rios. “And my mom is in one of the firetrucks, for the Wassaic Fire Department.”

Like Sarah, the Milton family of Millerton was at the parade for family. They were there to watch patriarch Shawn Milton drive Fire Engine No. 6 for the Sharon Fire Company. Savannah, 10, and her brother, Jayden, 8, were there with mom Mindy keeping warm under a collection of cozy blankets while looking out for their dad.

The Ullmans, meanwhile, made their way over from Lakeville, Conn., to watch the Millerton parade. Mom Cary Ullman said her children were especially excited to watch the festivities.

“They love the fire engines,” she said. “It’s their favorite.”

After the parade, Millerton Mayor Debbie Middlebrook lit the Christmas tree at the head of Main Street, where it stands tall over the village center in celebration of holidays yet to come. The community betterment group, Townscape, decorated the tree and provided the lights, swags, wreaths and bows seen on Main Street and throughout the village.