The Town of Salem proudly celebrated one of its most cherished traditions on Sunday, November 30, with the annual Holiday Parade. Each year, the parade begins at 1:00 p.m. on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, traveling down Main Street from the intersection at Policy Road to Salem High School. Despite a light drizzle, this year’s event generated tremendous energy and community spirit, attracting an estimated 20,000 spectators along the route.
This year’s parade celebrated the theme “275 Years of Salem Memories,” honoring the Town’s 275th anniversary. Floats and performers showcased elements of both Salem’s past and present, featuring birthday-cake themed displays and historical photographs presented by the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Grand Marshal: Honoring Over 30 Years of Service
The Town was honored to welcome Marty Claussen, longtime Salem High School Band Director, as the 2025 Grand Marshal. With over three decades of dedication to Salem’s music programs, Mr. Claussen led the parade with enthusiasm and well-deserved recognition from the community.
Highlights From the Parade
This year’s parade featured approximately 85 entries, representing schools, local organizations, dance studios, businesses, civic groups, and historical displays. The dance groups delivered standout performances, and several floats celebrated the Town’s anniversary with creative birthday-themed designs.
A special highlight included the Salem Area Women’s Club (SAWC), who kicked off their 100th Anniversary with a vibrant purple float honoring presidents from throughout their century-long history. Some were portrayed by reenactors, while others were played by current members—creating a unique blend of past and present.
As always, the parade concluded with a crowd favorite: Santa Claus, arriving atop the Salem Fire Department’s ladder truck and escorted by members of both the Fire and Police Departments.
Volunteer-Driven and Community-Funded
The Salem Holiday Parade is fully organized and operated by dedicated volunteers and is funded entirely through community support. This includes advertising opportunities, canning at the Transfer Station, and raffles. In recent years, the costs of the parade have increased and now range from $20,000 to $25,000 annually.
The Town extends sincere gratitude to the 2025 Parade Committee for their hard work and commitment:
- Brett Grande (Chairman)
- Sandi Labrecque (Treasurer),
- Hannah Grande (Secretary)
- Rachel Hill
- Keri Grande
- Jordan Scott
- Ethan Grande
- Tom Ramsdell
- Kelsey McGibbon
- Mikayla Ramsdell
- Amanda Roberge
- Susan McLoughlin
A special thank you goes to STA (School Transportation Service), which donates four buses and drivers each year to shuttle parade participants from Town Hall to the lineup area on Northeastern Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Be sure to catch the parade replay and the parade awards on Saturday 12/13 at 8pm on SCTV!