POUGHKEEPSIE – Less than 24 hours after City of Poughkeepsie DPW workers saved the life of a man that had set himself on fire, the entire DPW department is putting the final touches on the route for the Celebration of Lights Parade and fireworks display. The parade begins with a tree lighting at Mural Square Park on Main Street near Market Street at 6:30 p.m. today (Friday, December 3).
DPW Commissioner Chris Gent said that his staff has been working for several days in advance of the parade by hanging lights on trees along the route as well as decorating the two Christmas trees; one at Mural Square and the one at Dongan Square Park on Mill Street.
On Friday Gent told Mid-Hudson News “We have 12 men working to clean up the parade route today, with the street sweeper, leaf vacuum trucks, and other equipment.” The staff has also set up the public address systems at both tree lighting locations. “My men have been doing a tremendous job to make this a success and they will remain at work until the end to clean up after the Celebration of Lights.” Gent also noted that the large holiday tree at Mural Square was donated by Fabulous Firs, an area tree farm.
The city’s police and fire departments are also prepping for the event. The police department’s traffic division and parking enforcement unit have posted temporary parking restriction signs, arranged for detours, and have plans in place to make the event enjoyable, according to Sergeant Bill Badner. The fire department will be chauffering the headliner of the parade, Santa Claus, on a fire engine.
“This parade is especially important for the city’s residents at this time,” said City Administrator Marc Nelson. “Our employees have gone the extra mile to make the parade’s return after a COVID hiatus a very special event, and we appreciate their dedication and hard work.”
The full details for tonight’s festivities can be found by clicking HERE.
