MOUNT VERNON — Cold temperatures did not deter Mount Vernon residents from coming out to enjoy the annual holiday parade and lighting ceremony on Sunday.
The 2025 parade theme was “Once Upon a Holiday.” Snuggled under blankets, youngsters –and those young at heart — enjoyed hot chocolate and chili while they waited.
As Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said, it’s never cold when we’re warm in our hearts.
The lighting ceremony on Public Square, though performed for countless years, did not go off without a hitch. The Grinch tried to dampen the holiday spirit, but the Mount Vernon police put a stop to it.
The crowd was enthusiastic as the countdown began. But when the crowd yelled “Zero!” there was nothing. For a few breathtaking seconds — which stretched to five minutes — it seemed that The Grinch had indeed stolen Christmas.
But on the fourth try, the square exploded in red, green, and yellow lights, and the holiday season was officially underway.
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