55th annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade kicks off

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The 55th annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade kicked off Saturday night and filled the streets with over 100 festive floats, trucks and more. Hundreds of residents rang in the holidays with songs and dancing that they said were a great time.

"We want to see Santa! And we want to get into the holidays," said Charles Greathouse and Jessica Kumar, Albany residents.

Hundreds of people filled the streets of downtown Schenectady Saturday night, coming from both near and far.

“It's my first time in the U.S. and it's my first time in the Schenectady parade and I'm so excited. I came from Italy so we don’t have this stuff in Italy," said Esme Loffredo, a Bologna, Italy resident.

Some even travelling as far as the North Pole! Schenectady's very own Santa Claus joined the parade for kids and parents to enjoy. This year's parade also featured over 100 participants. Some guests called this celebration a hidden gem.

“It's so impressive because it's so large and I just really love to learn about different things going on in the community and different groups that enrich the area,” said Kumar.

Various organizations raised awareness for their causes and groups including everything from community programs, to teachers federations and local fire departments. Some people said these fire trucks were their favorite part.

This year, the city also added sensory-friendly spaces inside the Proctor's Theater to allow everyone to enjoy the sights and sounds of the night. They also had plenty of new activities and performances. Between accapella groups, dancing groups and even the tree lighting, there was plenty to enjoy and block out the cold.

"It's a little chilly but that ain't nothing," said Darryl Roberston, a Schenectady resident.

Some guests said their favorite part of the night was being with their loved ones.

“Just being together and doing activities together and celebrating our community," said Kumar.

“We're just out here enjoying the festival enjoying the parade, got the kids out, so we’re just having a good time," said Roberston.

During the event, unwrapped toys were being collected for Toys for Tots. NEWS10's Lydia Kulbida emceed the parade alongside a few others from the main stage in front of the Proctors Theater.