Center Moriches Fire Department hosts annual Parade of Lights

The Center Moriches Fire Department hosted their annual Parade of Lights in Center Moriches on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The parade started at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Main Street at 6 p.m.  Numerous holiday-themed floats and performers proceeded along Main Street to Ocean Avenue as dozens of local residents watched from the sidewalks. 

“The Parade of Lights was inspired by the department’s desire to celebrate the holiday season,” parade chairman and ex-fire chief Bill Renzetti said.  “Initially, it was a small event, lasting about half an hour with a limited number of participants.  Over time, it has grown significantly, now featuring over 60 participants, lasting more than two hours, and drawing thousands of people to the community.”

Renzetti explained how the Center Moriches Fire Department prepares for the yuletide procession.

“About 20 years ago, I had the honor of stepping into the role of parade chairman… None of this would be possible… without the incredible dedication of the team of people working behind the scenes.  From organizing logistics to managing the smallest details, their hard work and commitment is what makes the parade such a success,” Renzetti explained.  “It takes about three months of planning to bring everything together.  We kick off in September by reviewing feedback and notes from the previous year to see what worked and where we can improve.  From there, we file the necessary permits, coordinate logistics, and begin reaching out to the many organizations that make this event so special.”

Participants in the parade varied, from businesses such as the Woodvalley Contractors to live performers such as the Center Moriches High School band.  Multiple floats were themed around Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and there was also a float themed around the Willy Wonka character from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” 

Two other floats included a recreation of Noah’s Ark from the Old Testament that was covered in plush animals and a small float themed to the Disney film “The Little Mermaid.”  A dance group also performed in front of the Center Moriches Fire Department building.

The parade passed in front of the Center Moriches Fire Department building, where an announcer atop a massive podium introduced each parade participant as they passed by the bandstand. 

A table with trophies was laid out in front of the podium; according to Renzetti, trophies were given to “local community groups and first responders in recognition of their creativity and effort undersigning the outstanding floats that make [the Parade of Lights] so special.” 

Some participants, such as a troupe of dancers and a karate group, put on a brief performance when they arrived in front of the fire department building. 

The Parade of Lights ended around 7:30 p.m., with Santa Claus waving to the crowd from atop a Center Moriches Fire Department fire truck as two assistants tossed goodies to onlookers.