MEDINA — With Medina’s Parade of Lights barely two weeks away, the Medina Tourism Committee has announced Medina resident and local news correspondent Ginny Kropf has been chosen grand marshal for this year’s event.
“Our planning committee was unanimous in our selection,” said Jim Hancock, chair of Medina Tourism Committee and the Parade of Lights. “The committee tries to select someone local who has been an asset to the Medina community, and Ginny certainly fits this description.”
Ginny has been so supportive of not only our event, but so many other community events over the many years she has been reporting for Orleans Hub and the Hometown Extra. She is one of Medina’s biggest supporters and very deserving of this honor, Hancock said.
Her dedication to her home town includes serving more than 25 years on the board of United Way of Orleans County, more than 10 of them as secretary; and 10-plus years as a member of the Medina Railroad Museum board, and its secretary for much of that time.
Entries for the Parade of Lights on Nov. 30 are slowly coming in, and Hancock urges individuals, businesses, religious groups, schools, fire departments and any other group to consider entering a float. Prizes are awarded in half a dozen categories.
More than 20 floats have already been entered in this 16th annual Parade of Lights, eight of which are new this year, Hancock said. Several who haven’t entered in years have returned. The deadline to enter a float is Nov. 24 and entry forms can be found by logging on to http://www.christmasinmedina.com.
The parade at 6 p.m. caps off Christmas in Medina, which this year will have a new feature in the appearance of Friends of Harmony Barbershop Quartet from Buffalo, who will perform from 2 to 3 p.m. in Rotary Park.
There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides on Main Street from 1 to 5 p.m., complements of Yohe Draft Horses from Albion.
As in previous years, a beautiful fireworks display is planned at 5:45 p.m. over Main Street, provided by Young Explosives from the Rochester area.
At 5 p.m., Prime Time Brass will present a concert in Rotary Park, followed at 5:30 by lighting of the giant Christmas tree by the Grand Marshall.
A full day of activities are scheduled in the downtown business district, thanks to the Medina Area Partnership and the village’s Tourism Committee. They invite folks to come and spend the day, see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a noon parade, along with Pets on Parade, and enjoy what the shops have to offer.