Participants in the 2022 Parade of Lights, organized by the Norwich Business Improvement District and sponsored by Chobani. This year's parade saw double the amount of participants from last year, featuring floats from area businesses, organizations, nonprofits, churches, fire departments, law enforcement, and more. (Photos from the BID Facebook page)

NORWICH — On Saturday, November 26, the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and event sponsor Chobani hosted a dazzling display of decked out floats at the annual Parade of Lights.

With double the amount of participants than last year, area residents were able to experience a showstopping display of lights and Christmas cheer from local businesses, organizations, nonprofits, churches, fire departments, law enforcement, and more.

"A lot more clubs have reached out, a lot more people have kind of branched out to say that they want to be a part of it. So I think there’s a lot more community involvement this year which has made it double the size," said BID Board Member Mindy Chawgo. "Its very exciting it’s very exciting to see the enthusiasm of everybody. Everybody that has contacted me has been so excited to participate."

The parade ended with Santa and Mrs. Claus making their way down Broad Street and arriving at Santa's Igloo in front of East Park, where attending children were able to meet Santa and take photos. Chobani also held their eighth annual product giveaway in East Park, where they handed out cases of yogurt and cartons of Chobani creamer.

Chawgo thanked participants in this year's parade, noting how much time and effort goes into preparing a float to provide the beloved parade for the community.

"They work on it for hours and hours and days and days, and they put a lot of time and effort into it," she said. "So I’m lucky on my end that I get to do what I do, and they do what they do. They put a lot of work into their side, so my side’s been easy."

"I think if you surround yourself with these amazing people, it makes anything easy. So I’m very fortunate."