Holiday parade nixed, but online decorating will keep tradition alive

ROCHESTER - The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Holiday Events Committee is currently seeking entries for "Light Up Rochester," a new community wide decorating contest event. Businesses, organizations, and residents are invited to participate and showcase the holiday spirit in Rochester.

Photos or brief 20-30 second video clips can be submitted showcasing your business, organization or home decorated for the holidays. Submissions will be reviewed and judged in each division. Judges will then visit top entries. Winners will receive prizes including gift cards to a grocery store, retail establishment and restaurant. All submissions will then be placed into a video that will be broadcast throughout the holiday season.

All are welcome to join in the holiday 11:50 a.m.spirit generated by this festive community event. Entries will be accepted through December 4, 2020.

The Chamber will hold this event in place of Rochester's Holiday Parade amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Although disappointing to not provide this traditional holiday event this year, it was determined to not hold the parade for the safety of all involved. Many entries and participants had also indicated they would not be able to participate due to the pandemic. However, the Chamber still wanted to provide a safe event while keeping the holiday spirit alive in Rochester.

For more information or to receive an entry form and instructions for the Light Up Rochester event, please call the Chamber office at 603-332-5080 or entry forms can be found online by visiting www.rochesternh.org.