CARMEL – The 23rd annual Holiday on the Lake in Carmel Saturday night could have been the setting for a Hallmark Christmas card.
Chilly early December weather greeted the several thousand people who lined the parade route along Route 52 through the heart of the hamlet as float after float – 50 in all – passed by, several with Santa and his helpers.
Hot food and drink served prior to the parade thanks to eight area
restaurants and delis
Festive floats among the highlights of the annual parade
Following the parade, a switch was flicked by Michael Schmidt and his family and 80 holiday trees along the Gleneida lakeshore became illuminated as Christmas carols echoed throughout the downtown.
Activities that preceded the parade included a pancake breakfast, Christmas crafts, a caroling festival, hayrides, a chowder tasting event and a Santa Stroll where bystanders cheered on a small army of Santa’s to benefit the American Cancer Society.
The day’s celebratory events were not just for Putnam County residents. People came from across the Hudson Valley to enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
