As cooler weather and shorter days arrive in the north country, the Ogdensburg and Lisbon Lions clubs are working hard to prepare for the holiday season that’s just around the corner.

The second annual Holiday Light up the Night Parade is scheduled for Nov. 17, and event organizers are hoping to see more floats and more people pack the streets.

“It’s absolutely free for anyone to participate,” said Cathy Amell of the Lisbon Lions Club. She is heading up the promotional aspect of November’s parade and said she wants as many businesses, families, religious organizations and bands to get involved as possible.

“We had 64 floats last year, and we are hoping to match that or do even better this year,” she said.

The parade is designed to highlight area charities.

Specifically, the groups hope to raise the profile, and possibly add to the bank accounts, of the Ogdensburg Neighborhood Center, St. Lawrence County Toys for Tots, the St. Lawrence Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Salvation Army and PJs 4 Xmas.

“Our purpose is to try and get people aware that these organizations need more help during the holidays,” said event coordinator Rhonda Roethel.

The parade is slated to begin at 6 p.m. and run from Roethel’s Custom Graphics, 1801 Ford St., to City Hall.

“Santa Claus will be there to meet and greet the kids at City Hall,” said Ms. Amell, adding that last year’s parade saw roughly 400 kids come out.

Ms. Roethel said the Seaway Valley Prevention Council will be handing out hot chocolate.

Interested people can get more information about the parade and how to get involved by calling Ms. Amell at 323-1540 or 344-7025 or by stopping in at Roethel’s Custom Graphics, KimRo’s Medicine Place, 511 State St., or the City Clerk’s Office.

The next organizational meeting for the parade is scheduled for 4 p.m. at City Hall Tuesday. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to attend.

“We want it to be a fun activity night for the family to enjoy,” Ms. Amell said.

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