Santa Claus Lane Parade Winners:

OLEAN – Fifty units and more than 812 adults and children took part in the 27th Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade held Friday, November 23 in downtown Olean. Judging for this season’s parade was done by Al Wager, National Grid Co.; Paula Snyder, Jamestown Community College; Max Bullers, Home Depot of Olean; and Lori Babcock of Microtel Inn of Olean.

The Elves Award, sponsored by Family Partners Group, a float or unit that best typifies the holiday through the eyes of a child; went to Hinsdale Cub Scout Pack. Angelic Spirit Award sponsored by Mandy’s Flowers, awarded to the Greater Olean Association of Churches as the most spiritual/religious float or unit. Blitzen Award, sponsored by Times Herald went to Continental School of Beauty as the most photogenic float; Jingle Bells Award, sponsored by Microtel Inn of Olean, the best theatrical (music/dance) float was awarded to Rock-it-Out DJing and Olean Dance Arts; The Rudolph Award, sponsored by National Grid Co., for the float with the most or best use of lights was awarded to Richburg Volunteer Fire Department; the Seasons Greetings Award, sponsored by Community Bank, NA, to the best newcomer to the parade, and one that typifies a welcoming theme - this unit must be a first-time entrant went to Freestone Contracting; The Snowflake Award, sponsored by the Street Classics Car Club for the unit with the most participants in the parade was awarded to East Olean Cheerleaders; and new this year -- The Sleigh Award, presented by Hammond’s Furniture, was a tie between Bolivar Fire Department and J&R Auto the most decorated larger truck (fire truck, flatbed, utility vehicles, etc.)

“With the weather forecast, we were unsure if Mercy Flight would be able to kick off the parade. But in fact, Mercy Flight did kick start the parade and did a fantastic flyover up the parade route. The greater Olean area is a well-diversified community and as such, people from all walks of life and religion attended the parade to celebrate the gifts and graces of the holiday seasons. It is truly a night when the community comes together,” stated Meme Krahe Yanetsko, GOACC COO

GOACC is also encouraging organizations to participate in the Portville Holiday Celebration AND the Allegany Holiday Celebration scheduled for Saturday, November 24 at dusk. For more information, call Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email santa@oleanny.com
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