The Aleppo clowns return for another year of participating in the parade. Photo by Jennica Ruan.
This year’s 15th annual Christmas Parade began at the Salemwood School and made its way up to the Malden Teen Enrichment Center. The parade was accompanied by many other events and was followed by a Christmas tree lighting, then a pasta dinner sponsored by the Malden High School Alumni Association.
Kathleen Manning Hall was the coordinator of the event. The mayor typically emcees the event, but this year Superintendent John Oteri hosted the event. The mayor, however, still enjoyed his time at the parade.
The parade began by welcoming the mayor and the Malden Police. Then, the city council members made their way up the stage. Mayor Christenson presented the awards for Grand Marshal to Chris Tkach of Idle Hands Craft Ales, Anthony Decotis of Mixx 360, and Town Line Luxury Lanes. Altogether, they contributed over $20,000 for the renovation of the World War I monuments.
The parade featured floats from all the public schools and many other organizations from Malden. Each schools’ float was a tribute to veterans and featured the students and faculty of the schools. The school with the best float won a cash prize of $350 for their art department, which the Forestdale school won. Many local businesses contributed to the parade as well. The dancers from Paula Terenzi's Dance Complex performed a number for the parade. The Aleppo Clowns made another appearance this year as well.
The Malden High cheerleaders did a routine in front of the Mayor, they were accompanied by some members from the football team. Some recreational sports like the Malden Pop Warner football and cheerleading team and the Diamond Divas youth softball team. The high school band marched in the parade with Senior Ari Cohen as the conductor.
After the floats made their way down Salem street the Christmas tree lighting began at four PM on the lawn of the Malden Public Library. Senator Ed Markey and his wife Dr. Susan Blumenthal made an appearance at the beginning of the ceremony. The mayor then proceeded to initiate a countdown for the ceremony. This year’s tree was purchased and donated by some of the members of the city council.
Another tree lighting was held at Fellsmere Pond by councilor Craig Spadafora. Santa Claus was there for the children and there was got chocolate and cookies provided for the guests.
The pasta dinner began at five and ended at seven. It was held at Anthony’s with ticket prices ranging from $10-15. There was games, dancing, and many other festivities for families to enjoy together.
The Christmas festivities is a way for the city of Malden to welcome the beginning of the holiday season.
Check out the Holiday Parade photo gallery here.
