BY JENNIFER CROWLEY
This year’s Parade of Lights, an annual celebration that started in 2009, was Scottsville’s most ambitious yet. The weather, mild by all accounts for December 2nd, along with a jam-packed schedule of family friendly events and the promise of the ‘big man’ arriving via firetruck drew a festive crowd eager to kick-off the holiday season. Activities included competitive cornhole, a walking historical tour, a candy cane scavenger hunt up and down Main Street following a rambunctious foam dart battle at Canawaugus Park, and perhaps the most popular event of the day, horse drawn carriage rides around the village. In other words, something for everyone to enjoy.
With full understanding that the spirit of the season is truly about giving, event planners and village merchants ensured that there were several opportunities to deliver joy to those in need of a little more light in their lives. Wreath sales benefited pediatric cancer support organization Camp Good Days as well as the Trees for Troops program; a Marine in uniform at a Toys for Tots truck loaded donated presents for children in need while Cub Scout Pack 140 accepted care packages to be mailed to service personnel separated from their families.
After the sun set, things got kicked into high gear. At 6:00 P.M. the Wheatland-Chili High School Chorus took over the Scottsville Free Library to lend their voices to an assortment of Christmas carols which transformed into a cacophony of firetruck sirens that rang louder and louder, announcing the impending arrival of Santa Claus. As parade-goers have come to expect, Santa traded in his sleigh for a firetruck, arriving this year on one of Scottsville’s antique engines. Rounding out the parade were trucks old and new, most decorated in bright holiday lights, from nearby fire districts including Caledonia, Chili, Clifton and Henrietta.
As Santa stepped down from his ride he was met by enthusiastic cheers. After making his way through the crowd, he orchestrated the lighting of the Village tree and then went inside to get comfortable in his chair. As children waited for the chance to tell Santa what’s on their minds this year, they were treated to hot cocoa and cookies courtesy of the Lions Club.
Even with all of the camaraderie that the day inspired, there was a sense of sadness in the air with the community still struggling to accept the tragic loss of one of its own, Wheatland-Chili high school teacher and Scottsville native Jill (Skivington) Jackett. School Superintendent Deborah Leh took to the microphone to say a few words about the passion and contributions of “Miss Skiv,” as she was known by many. Leh then requested a moment of silence to honor the exemplary life Jill Jackett led.
Throughout the evening revelers enjoyed food and drinks from a number of local restaurants and food trucks while taking in artisan demonstrations or catching up with friends and neighbors next to a warming bonfire. The daylong celebration was capped off with an extended Open Skate night at the Scottsville Ice Arena (easily accessed thanks to the festival shuttle service) and finally, an impressive fireworks display.
