NORWICH – What’s the holiday season without few thousand lights to help usher it in?

In spite of less than expected participation from community organizations this year, the 19th annual Parade of Lights promises to be as bright as ever, said parade coordinator Mike McCormack, with more than 60 floats, hundreds of participants and countless light bulbs slated to take Broad Street by storm on Saturday.

“Participants have told me that it is one of the most organized and fun parades to be part of year after year,” said McCormack, who is organizing the parade for the third consecutive year. “Our mission every year is to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s always a great way to start the holidays.”

Entertainment this year – sponsored by the Pennysaver, The Evening Sun, the Norwich Fire Department, Norwich Merchants Association and the Norwich Business Improvement District – kicks off at 5:30 p.m. downtown, the heart of the city, when country vocalist Kaitlyn Jackson takes the spotlight on the East Park stage prior to the start of the parade.