SWAMPSCOTT — Lights, sirens, and holiday music filled the streets of Swampscott Saturday night as dozens of emergency vehicles and decorated cars and trucks took part in the Swampscott Police Association’s Holiday Parade before gathering at the site of the holiday festival at Town Hall.
“It was wonderful, a wonderful sight,” said Swampscott resident Martha Donnelly, who enjoyed the festivities of the night with here family.
One parade float, featured live holiday music with a drum setup in a truck bed and two guitars powered by generators, played by Rick Legere and his sons Dan and Timmy.
“We got the idea a couple weeks ago,” Rick said.
The Legere family plans on repeating their musical performance next year if they can.
“It was so much fun,” Rick said.
Swampscott Police Detective Ted Delano, president of the Swampscott Police Association, said “the police association wants to thank everyone for coming out to see this year’s holiday parade and for all the toy donations for TLC (Toys for Local Children). Have a safe and happy holiday season.”
The holiday festival was loaded with all kinds of entertainment, including an inflatable bouncy house, train rides, and a candy cane hunt, all leading to a tree lighting ceremony.
Jason Fabiszeuski, 6, was one of the many lucky children to be able to partake in the festivities.
“I’m excited,” he said. “All my best friends are here.”
Naomi Dreeben, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen, led the crowd in a countdown to signal the tree lighting.
“I want to thank the police for organizing a wonderful parade and the DPW (Department of Public Works) for making all this possible,” she said.
Afterward, the areas trees were lit with white lights, with the largest center tree decorated with blue and green lights and a star, next to a Menorah.
“Tonight is so much fun,” Swampscott resident Ashley Kaufman, who was with her four-year-old daughter Abigail said.
“We love this time of year so much,” she said.