Everyone loves a parade, and Downtown Auburn is a great place to see one
On Saturday, November 30th the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District and the City of Auburn will present “Miracle on Genesee Street,” and the 33rd Annual Holiday Parade.
This parade is a popular custom, beginning at 6PM at the corner of East Genesee & N. Fulton Streets atop East Hill. It travels west along Genesee Street, through the heart of Downtown, and turns left onto William Street. It continues around the City Parking Garage on Lincoln Street and ends at Memorial City Hall.
Joe Salzone, the parade MC, and local dignitaries from the City will be located in front of Silbert Optical. Approximately 50 businesses and community organizations partake with floats, music and holiday performances. Past parade favorites include numerous county fire departments, Captain Jack & his Pirates for the Pantry ship, Skaneateles Dickens characters, and the always creative and over the top award-winning float by Skills USA at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES. Cheer on your favorites, as participants compete for cash prizes in the top-three float competition. Plus there will be plenty of free family activities happening before and after the parade at the Equal Rights Heritage Center and on City Hall steps.
Schedule of Events:
Equal Rights Heritage Center
Mindful Market: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Horse & wagon rides around Seward Park: 3 – 5 p.m.
Perform4Purpose & Harriet Tubman Singer performances: 3 – 5 p.m.
Genesee Street
Holiday Parade: 6 p.m.
City Hall (After Parade)
- Post Parade: City Tree Lighting Ceremony on City Hall steps
- Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus
- Parade float winner announcements
Groups Battle for Float Prize Money
For many years, the BID has awarded cash prizes for the best parade floats. They are judged based on creativity, holiday theme, enthusiasm of those participating, and ability to identify the group/organization that created the float. The first place float is awarded $150, second prize is $100 and third prize is $75. Winners are announced following the parade.
As tradition, Santa & Mrs. Claus will arrive at the end of the parade, riding on a sleigh on the Healing H’Arts Equestrian Center float. After the parade, they will stroll over to City Hall steps for visits, and join the City’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This is always a crowd favorite that gets everyone in the spirit. The BID thanks our co-sponsor the City of Auburn for their support with this event.
Downtown Auburn Decorating Contest
The BID is encouraging the downtown community to decorate their windows for the holiday season. The window decorating contest runs through December 15th with top three prizes awarded for holiday theme, creativity & personal identity. If you would like to be part of the contest, please notify BID staff at 315.252-7874.
Mindful Market for a Soulful Holiday @ Equal Rights Heritage Center from 10AM – 4PM
This new offering, created by Sandy Shutter & Renee Catalfano, is meant to offer calm & healing during the hectic holiday season. With activities & products to help people re-align their energy centers and bring them back to what matters. Patrons are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable food donations for the food pantry, pet food & products for the SPCA, or personal hygiene items, to support those in need.
Mindful Market offerings:
- Intentional selfies
- Chakra roller bottle blends, artesian soaps, lotion bars & lip balms by Irish Daisy
- Swag bags with pantry donations (while supplies last)
- Gift with purchase
- Seasonal mantra cards
- Intentional crystal grids & ornaments by Sandy Shutter
- Feminist art and gifts
- Intentional mock-tails & refreshments
List of practioners, organizations & businesses:
- Jillian Barron: Reiki Master, Universal Minister & Yoga Teacher
- Renee Catalfano: Irish Daisy
- Anne Lahr: Fine Artist / Self Care Card Mini Workshop
- Literacy Volunteers: Book give-a-way & family fun
- LivAvtar Kaur: Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Musician & Mantra Artist
- Mind Body Meta: Handcrafted Skincare
- Banu Moore: Finger Labyrinths & healing foods
- Joe Sarnicola: Music & Fairy Gardens
- Serenity Wellness
- Sandra Shutter Fine Art & Design
- Beth-Ann Wise Yoga
Eat, Shop LOCAL & Be Merry!
November 30th is also Small Business Saturday, so why not make a whole day of it downtown? Purchase gifts at the many retail stores, or buy a BID Downtown Gift Certificate redeemable at 40+ downtown businesses. Before the festivities start, enjoy lunch at one of nearly two dozen restaurants & eateries, and after the parade, stay for dinner as well. This day presents a great opportunity to show support for our local businesses.
Here are some of downtown’s SBS offers: At 3Leaf Tea the first 20 customers get a free gift, plus free samples, 50/50 raffle & more. Also, take $2 off any CBD retail item under $25, or $5 off any CBD retail item over $25, and buy 2 bags of matcha, get one free. At Hairlooms for every $50 gift certificate purchased, receive an additional $10.
Drink & dine at Moondog’s Lounge between 5 – 8PM and enjoy 10% off the bill. Prison City Pub & Brewery is offering a free logo pint glass with the purchase of a $30 gift card. Speno Music is offering BOGO in-stock vinyl albums. Zen Den Studio is offering a new student special $25 for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga. Current student special is $10 off a class pass, and purchase a $50 gift certificate for $40.
At Moro’s Table, buy one get one half off of appetizers. They are also running a promotion on gift cards, for every $50 gift card purchased; guests will get an additional $5 gift card. Good Shepherd’s Brewing is also running promotional specials.
Join in the festivities and bring all your family & friends that are in town for Thanksgiving. For more information, please contact BID at 315.252-7874 and visit the events page on www.auburndowntown.org.
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/495348511194473/
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