Santa Claus Lane

FIFTY-FOUR units and more than 1,436 adults and children took part in the 24th Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade held on Friday, November 27 in downtown Olean.  Judging for this season’s parade was done by Al Wager, National Grid Co.; Paula Snyder, Jamestown Community College; and Maggie Perrigo, GOACC.

The Elves Award, a float or unit that best typifies the holiday through the eyes of a child; went to Portville Truck & Auto Repair.  Angelic Spirit Award awarded to Mt. Zion Christian Assembly as the most spiritual/religious float or unit.   Blitzen Award went to  Stroehmann’s Bakeries as the most photogenic float; Jingle Bells Award, the best theatrical (music/dance) float was awarded to  Not So Country Line Dancers / Toe Heal Twisters1 ;  The Rudolph Award, for the float with the most or best use of lights was awarded to Lakeview Farm Alpacas;  The Seasons Greetings Award, to  the best newcomer to the parade, and one that typifies a welcoming theme - this unit must be a first-time entrant went to  Olean Rotary Club; and The Snowflake Award, for the unit with the most participants in the parade was awarded to  Ivers J. Norton Elementary. 

The Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade had GREAT attendance -- people lined up on both sides of the street, plus the weather was cold with big snowflakes.  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.
 
GOACC is also encouraging organizations to participate in the Portville Holiday Celebration scheduled for Saturday, November 28 at dusk. As the finishing touches are put on this year’s events, Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce has already begun planning next year’s event which will be held Friday, November 26, 2010.  For more information, call Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email santa@oleanny.com.