Bundle up and celebrate the holidays with the whole family at Schenectady's biggest event of the season! The Fidelis Care Gazette Holiday Parade is on Saturday, November 17th, 5 pm at Downtown Schenectady. This year's theme is “Golden Anniversary 1968 - 2018”. The Daily Gazette, The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Schenectady will be coming together for this wonderful occasion.
This annual Capital Region tradition is known as the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast. This 2-hour parade attracts thousands of spectators who line State Street in Downtown Schenectady. Spectators will enjoy marchers, dancers, fire trucks, horses and floats decorated to this year's theme 'Movies'.
Pre-Parade
Festivities start early at the Pre-Parade Street Festival! It will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Jay Street. There will be face painters, balloon artists, live music, food vendors, crafters, area businesses and more!
Street Closure
Streets will be closed to traffic from 3:00pm to 4pm. The following downtown streets will be affected:
- State Street (Nott Terrace to Broadway): 3 p.m.
- State Street (Broadway to the end of Western Gateway Bridge on the Scotia side): 4 p.m.
- Western Gateway Bridge (closed in both directions): 4 p.m.
- Erie Boulevard (State Street to Liberty Street): 4 p.m.
- Broadway (Liberty Street to Hamilton Street): 4 p.m.
- Lafayette Street (Liberty Street to State Street): 4 p.m.
- Clinton Street (Smith to State Street): 4 p.m.
- 1-890 Washington Avenue exits will be closed (4C Westbound, Rice Road Eastbound): 4 p.m.
- Church Street (Argyle Place to Liberty Street): 4 p.m.
Here's the Parade Route and Public Parking details.
Macaroni Kid Tips
1. Know the route and have a plan on where to park. Back-in parking if you are parking at Broadway Parking Garage.
2. Bring your favorite chairs to sit on. Bring a blanket at the very least. It is better than hard, cold, Downtown Schenectady sidewalk.
3. Bring stuff to keep you preoccupied while waiting for the parade to start. Think Glow sticks, favorite toys, books, activity pads, iPad, etc.
4. Dress appropriately for the weather.
5. Bring your favorite snacks (and warm drinks) to keep everyone happy.
