BELLINGHAM – Christmas parades are an essential part of the holiday season, and the Bellingham Fire Department is helping keep that spirit alive with a Black Friday toy drive and its first Holiday Celebration Parade in the coming weeks.
Starting on November 28th, the fire department will kick off festivities with its annual Stuff-A-Truck toy drive from 8 AM to noon at the Bellingham Walmart. Partnered with the Bellingham Business Association, locals can donate toys to help fill fire trucks with unwrapped gifts for boys and girls.
After the Stuff-A-Truck drive, all toys will be wrapped and sent to Santa’s Workshop for the town’s upcoming holiday parade. Those who cannot attend the Stuff-A-Truck event can still drop off toys at the Bellingham Fire Department, located at 28 Blackstone Street, until December 12th.
The Bellingham Holiday Celebration Parade will take place on December 13th at 5 PM, starting from Bellingham Memorial Middle School and ending at 300th Anniversary Park. This will be a vehicle-only parade featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Lineups for participating vehicles will begin at 4:30 PM.
All local businesses are welcome to register a vehicle for the parade. Spectators are encouraged to set up between Blackstone Street and South Main Street for the best viewing experience.
Once the parade finishes at 300th Anniversary Park, a tree lighting ceremony will take place there at approximately 5:30 PM. After the ceremony, visitors are invited to stop by Spartan Fitness Club at 17 North Main Street, where Santa’s Workshop will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Santa Claus will be there handing out toys collected from the gym and the Stuff-A-Truck drive to children.
Any questions about participating in the parade should be sent to Sue Grady ([email protected]), Jenn Altomonte ([email protected]), or Chief Miller of the Bellingham Fire Department ([email protected]). Details regarding the toy drive or parade can be found on the town’s Facebook page. General questions should be sent to [email protected] or [email protected].
