Snowflakes, s’mores, and a whole lot of sparkle kicked off the holiday season in Newark over Thanksgiving weekend, as hundreds gathered downtown for the village’s beloved Home for the Holidays celebration. The annual tradition brought crowds to Main Street and Central Park for a full weekend of fun, starting with the 48th Annual Turkey Day Race and ending with tree lighting, carols, and community cheer.
Saturday’s main event — the Lighted Parade — didn’t disappoint. Led by Grand Marshal Tanner LaMagna, the parade featured 35 lighted floats, vehicles, and musical displays, drawing cheers from bundled-up spectators lining the sidewalks. Families visiting from out of town shared that their children experienced their first snowfall during the festivities — adding a touch of magic to an already memorable night.
Parade judges — including Village Trustees Stu Blodgett and Josh Arnold, Arcadia Town Supervisor Dawn Pisciotti, and even the Grinch — handed out awards in several categories. Best in Show went to Black and White Paving, Best Use of Lights to NY Central Hose Company #5, Best Music to Schram Trucking LLC, Best Emergency Service Vehicle to Newark Arcadia EMS, Best Farm Equipment to EL-VI Farms, and Best Youth Group to the Kelley School Bucket Brigade.
In the tree decorating contest, Newark Pickleball Club took Overall Winner, Newark Boys Varsity Basketball won for Community Spirit, Newark Varsity Boys Swimming & Diving won for Theme, and Westfall Cardiology earned top marks for Creativity.
Central Park became the heart of the celebration as families roasted free s’mores (courtesy of Doug Kent Rose Bowl Lanes) and kids lit up the night with glowing headbands from Katie Pullen: Allstate Insurance. Community caroling, led by Jean Bendix, filled the park with holiday classics — right up until the big moment. As the crowd counted down, Tanner LaMagna and his family lit the official Newark holiday tree, greeted by cheers and camera flashes.
After the tree lighting, more than 400 people made their way to the Alex Eligh Community Center for the Community Holiday Party. AECC Youth Staff ran the show, keeping energy high with food, activities, and family fun. Just one week earlier, that same team had served 150 people a free Thanksgiving dinner — a reminder of how deeply rooted giving is in the Newark community.
Mayor Jonathan Taylor summed it up best: “This is what makes Newark special. When our residents, organizations, and businesses come together, the whole village lights up—literally and figuratively.” Organizer Katie Pullen added: “I love seeing Newark come alive like this… Watching our community smile together makes every late night and early morning worth it.”
The Home for the Holidays spirit will keep going strong through December with more events planned by local groups. To stay in the loop, follow @NewarkHoliday on Facebook and Instagram.
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