Gallery: Orange Holiday Festival and Parade

Crowds gathered along Main Street in Orange on Saturday, Dec. 3, to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Activities throughout the day included holiday-themed crafts, church bazaars and ­­­photo shoots with elves in Taylor Park. The town’s annual gingerbread house competition, a collaborative effort between Orange County Parks and Recreation and The Arts Center In Orange, drew in viewers for its first day of voting. Local businesses welcomed shoppers with open houses and festive décor. Meanwhile at the train depot, ­visitors enjoyed carolers, baked goods and ­­chats with Santa and Mrs. Claus courtesy of the Orange Downtown Alliance.

The day culminated with the Orange Rotary Club parade and memorial Christmas tree lighting. As Main Street filled with floats, performers, and the glow of lights, a sense of goodwill and unity was apparent.

Bill Hager, a longtime Rotary Club member and part of the parade’s production crew, echoed the sentiment, saying that his favorite part of the parade is “seeing the community coming together, celebrating the beauty and the spirit of the town.” Hager, who also serves as chair of the Orange County Economic Development Authority, added, “As a community, we need to support our local merchants,” and that the holiday celebrations serve as a way to bring people downtown to shop and visit in Orange.

The excitement of the day gave way to a more reflective tone as community members gathered in Taylor Park for the 43rd annual memorial Christmas tree lighting. The Rev. Lin Hutton of St. Thomas Episcopal Church led in prayer, and attendees joined in singing Christmas carols. As the evening came to a close, Rotary Club secretary Crystal Hale read names in remembrance of beloved community members.

Check out the gallery above for more coverage of Saturday’s festivities.

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Snapshot: Santa Sighting in Downtown Orange

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