Newark Valley’s Holiday Magic event and parade to celebrate the State Championship win for the Cardinals

The 11th annual Holiday Magic event in downtown Newark Valley, N.Y., a community favorite, is scheduled for Dec. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. And this year features an exciting parade starring the jolly red-suited gentleman, Santa, along with a group of superstars in the spotlight, Newark Valley’s State Champion high school football team.

The parade, which is set to kick off at 4 p.m., will start at the bus garage and follow Whig Street to Water Street, and then continue on to South Main and Park Streets, and finish up around the Village Green back to Whig Street.

Team captains, coaches, and cheerleaders will join Santa on a horse and wagon, and following on a separate float will be the State Champion football team, the Newark Valley Cardinals. Parade-goers will also see several other floats and parade entrants, flashing lights and fire trucks, and plenty of Cardinal Pride.

The Holiday Magic event, abounding with activities to include live music and food for every appetite, will be held at various locations including the Newark Valley Depot, the Noble Room and the Newark Valley Library.

At the Rollie Noble Room, right off the Newark Valley Green, plan to visit the G&H Candy Shop where you’ll get a fix for your sweet tooth at the homemade candy booth hosted by Newark Valley’s fifth grade students. An assortment of pies by Eastern Star and homemade soup and bread by the Newark Valley United Methodist Church will also be available, along with coffee, hot cocoa and popcorn, among other choices.

Curt Osgood and Friends are slated to play classic holiday music near the Holiday Magic Café’, and stop by to view the spectacular gingerbread house displays, grab a selfie with the Grinch from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Tappan Spaulding Memorial Library, hop on a horse and wagon ride slated to run between the Village Green and the Depot, and take in a live nativity presented by St. John’s Youth Group. 

Gingerbread house builders can enter their creative designs prior to the Holiday Magic event, which will be judged on visual appeal, use of materials, and originality in multiple age groups. For information, contact Stacy Hoyt at (607) 321-1572.

Holiday Magic continues at the Depot, located off of Whig Street. A model train display, as well as a tree and nutcracker display will greet visitors. Plan to drop by between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. to meet Santa. Holiday crafts and cookie decorating will be on hand as will food selections like pulled pork sandwiches, chili, sloppy joes, “the works” hot dogs, mulled cider, hot chocolate and desserts.

A few businesses will also be open in the village, such as the Cardinal Café’ and a wine tasting event at Village Wine and Spirits.

For additional information, visit the Facebook page, “11th Annual Holiday Magic Event / Parade.”