Start the Season in Sidney with Bigger, Better ‘Holly Jolly Day’

**SNEAK PEEK**

By Allison Collins

SIDNEY – Since September, members of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce have been planning a revamped, village-wide Holly Jolly Day Parade.

The event, happening downtown Friday, will still feature the traditional 6 p.m. parade, along with many family-friendly pre-parade activities.

Expanding the traditional holiday parade, chamber officials said, was inspired by the success of the group’s inaugural “Irish for a Day” St. Patrick’s Day event earlier this year.

“Everything is different,” Teresa Schunk, Sidney Chamber Vice President, said. “We’re trying to make it like ‘Irish,’ with activities leading up to (the parade) and all of it promoting shop local. There’s a lot of good stuff.”

That event, Schunk noted, drew several hundred people from “all over” to the village and organizers are expecting 300-400 visitors Friday.

Activities from 4 to 6 will include free Dunkin’ Donuts munchkins and balloon animals by BJ the Clown at the chamber office; $1 pizza slices at Gavin’s; cookies, cocoa, crafts and more at the Sidney Memorial Public Library; free Chobani yogurt distributed by downtown elves; complimentary glow sticks at Sidney Flowers & Gifts; and “Mike the Juggler” on Main Street.

Grownups will enjoy Awestruck tastings at the Houndstooth Boutique & Bakery; light refreshments at Back in Motion Massage & Wellness; and live music and art at the Harrington Gallery.

The parade itself, Schunk said, promises to be a highlight.

“As it stands right now,” Schunk said on Monday, “we have over 35 participants, so it’s going to be the biggest one we’ve ever had.”

Parade entrants, she noted, represent the tri-town area and beyond. Participation remains open, Schunk added, though preregistration is encouraged.

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