On Friday, November 24, 2023, Madison hosted its annual Christmas Parade. Before the parade started, singers, including MHS’s own Mrs. Holzer, sang familiar holiday tunes on the streets of Madison.
The parade kicked off with floats and parades lighting up Madison. The parade was lead by the Madison Police Department, and following the Police Department was Madison’s mayor Robert H. Conley and New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill. Madison Area YMCA Sport Teams and Madison sport clubs participated in the parade, along with Boy and Girl Scouts. St. Vincent’s School put together a nativity scene, and Madison Cheer squads filled the streets with pink, having their float based on Barbie. Christmas tunes rang down the streets, played by bands such as the Sharpshooter’s band.
At the end of the parade, Madison Marching Dodgers marched down the street, leading off Santa Claus. After the parade came to an end, on Waverly Place, Christmas tunes were sung by members of the Sellwood Studio of Performing Arts, and the Christmas tree was lit. This parade has been a tradition of Madison’s for 43 years after it was started by Carmine Toto Jr. in 1980. Since then, it has become a tradition that Madison looks forward to every year.
This Christmas parade was held in memory of Carmine Toto Jr. If you weren’t able to make it to the parade, you can find the full livestream of the parade on youtube.