Downtown Elmira Holiday Parade bringing smiles and holiday cheer for the 66th year

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Hundreds of people filled the streets of downtown Elmira this morning for the 66th Annual Downtown Elmira Holiday Parade. All throughout the parade route, performers brought smiles to people of all ages.

While the morning started with some snow and colder air, some people said it was the perfect day to spread holiday cheer.

"It's actually the perfect temperature, because a lot of people are in costume and if it gets too warm you know they're too hot, and if it's too cold, people are complaining," said Deb Sullivan, the parade coordinator. "It's like the perfect day with a little snow in the air."

The parade kicked off on West Water Street in Elmira before ending almost an hour later on Gray Street.

Performers and participants dressed in all sorts of costumes resembling pop-culture favorites, dancers of all different styles shared their best moves, and many companies and organizations showcased their creativity on extravagant floats. All of them aim to create joy.

Some floats and displays in the parade were created by agencies and organizations like the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce, the Chemung County Jail, Eldridge Park, P'Nut's Freedom Farm and Animal Sanctuary, several local first responders, and so many more.

Two children, Jordyn and Maxwell, were costumed parade participants dressed as Bluey and Bingo from the popular children's show, "Bluey."

"I hope they get memories, that they have memories from this," said Maxwell.

Jordyn continued, "Yeah, I hope they're going to be really happy."

Those like Jordyn and Maxwell who walked the parade route gave out high-fives and shook hands with people along the way.

While spreading holiday spirit is the key part of this event, it also helps to bring many people out to downtown Elmira to witness the spectacle.

"It's a wonderful time for all of Elmira to come together," said April Peris, one of the event coordinators from Elmira Downtown Development. "We have lined the streets. There's thousands of people that come and watch the parade and it just builds that sense of community, which is what we're always looking to do with Elmira Downtown Development. We want to bring as many people downtown as we can, because we love downtown. It's such a beautiful area and we want people to be out here as much as possible."

That sense of community shined through yet again for the parade's 66th year.

When asked what she hopes people take away from the parade, Sullivan only had one thing to say.

"Love," said Sullivan. "Just enjoyment, love. No matter what you're going through in life, to come out here for this hour and just be happy, just to be thankful that you can come out here or see it streaming."

In collaboration with Elmira Downtown Development, the event was streamed by J.D. Iles, a local real estate salesperson.

As Sullivan shared, year after year, the parade tries to encompass and spread love. Even though the festivities may only last an hour, many say they hope this special event was just the beginning of a great holiday season.

To keep up with more events in the downtown Elmira area, you can check out Elmira Downtown Development's Facebook page or website.