Patchogue’s Miracle on Main Street, 60th annual Christmas parade and tree lighting, enjoyed an impressive turnout for its diamond anniversary. There were thousands of spectators who lined both sides of Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 26. The parade began at 6 p.m., following another successful Small Business Saturday of local shopping in the village and nationally. The illuminated promenade began at West Avenue and headed east on Main Street, then concluded on Route 112. The moderate weather was a nice change from last year’s frigid temperature and contributed to an even larger crowd than usual at the beloved Patchogue event, which is one of the biggest parades in the village.

Attendees welcomed the holiday season’s arrival in full swing, enjoying the spectacle which included marching bands, scouts, twirlers, dancers, carolers, elaborately decorated fire trucks, floats, antique car/truck clubs, veterans’ organizations, civic groups, and more.

Several floats evoked the diamond anniversary theme festooned with sparkling lights, and there was even diamond-faceted artificial snow, which wafted through the night onto those watching.

As is the custom, the Patchogue village clerk, Lori Devlin, served as MC of the event, and kept spectators’ spirits high announcing each group making its way down Main Street. She was also one of the judges at the parade, along with Barbara Stark, Patchogue Village dispatcher; Lynette Teran, Patchogue Village accounting clerk; Lorraine Crowley, part-time village clerk; and Shawndra Smith, a friend of the village.

“It’s a lot of fun. I’m excited that it’s warmer this year. It’s so nice to see so many people turn out for the 60th anniversary,” said Devlin, before climbing the judges’ stand to begin announcing all the amazing participants.

Patchogue mayor Paul Pontieri marched in the parade accompanied by village trustees, and for the grand finale Pontieri helped light the impressive Christmas tree at the Capitol One Plaza, after Santa Claus made his big debut on Main Street. Children were also given the chance to submit their Christmas lists to the jolly man to take back with him to the North Pole.

It was certainly a tough call for the judges this year with so many creative floats, adorned vehicles, and talented performers. Congratulations to this year’s winners of the parade, which are as follows: Mayor Cup, Fundacion Lucero de America; Most Original Unit, Starlit Dance; Most Holiday Spirit, Stage Door School of Dance; Best Decorated Fire Department, Holtsville Fire Department; Best Car/Truck Club, Model-A Ford Club.