Featured Member: Littleton Civic Booster Club

|Published on: Nov 8, 2024|Categories: Featured Member|

Littleton Civic Booster Club annual Christmas Parade in Littleton, New Hampshire

Featured Member: Littleton Civic Booster Club

Founded by Littleton native Dennis Hartwell, featured member Littleton Civic Booster Club has been a cornerstone of Littleton’s holiday spirit for nearly four decades. This nonprofit is best known for organizing the annual Littleton Christmas Parade, a festive event that fills Main Street with holiday cheer every Friday after Thanksgiving.

A Rich History of Holiday Tradition

For generations, the arrival of Santa Claus on the Friday after Thanksgiving has been a cherished tradition in Littleton. Hartwell recalls that in the 1950s, the event was a simple yet heartwarming experience. A police escort led the way, followed by the high school band playing music on the back of a truck, with Santa trailing on a fire truck. The destination was always McLeod’s department store, a bustling Main Street hub now known as Porfido’s Market.

Hartwell’s passion for parades began in the 1980s when he saw a holiday parade in Laconia during a trip for his music career. Inspired by what he saw, he proposed expanding Littleton’s holiday tradition into a larger event. With the support of the Chamber of Commerce and community members, the first expanded Littleton Christmas Parade launched in 1986, featuring floats, a sleigh for Santa, and a color guard.

Evolution of the Parade

Over the years, the Littleton Christmas Parade has evolved into the North Country’s largest holiday parade. Under Hartwell’s leadership and vision, the parade has grown to feature elaborate floats, themed entries, and awards that celebrate creativity and community participation.

One of the standout parade themes was “Wild and Crazy Ways to Decorate a Christmas Tree,” during which the Lisbon Stumpjumpers snowmobile club crafted a float featuring a wooden tree with a real snowmobile perched on top. This inventive display highlighted the creativity and enthusiasm that participants bring to the event each year.

In 2023, the parade saw record participation, drawing significant crowds and larger-than-ever floats. The event featured four awards—Rudolph Award, Santa Claus Award, Judges Award, and Grand Marshal’s Award—judged on criteria such as entertainment value, presentation, and adherence to the theme.

Gala Christmas Ball

In addition to organizing the Christmas Parade, the Littleton Civic Booster Club hosts the Gala Christmas Ball, an elegant evening held at the Littleton Elks Lodge. This year, the ball is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, from 8 p.m. to midnight. It’s a festive opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate the season in style.

Parade Details for 2024

The 37th Annual Littleton Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, November 29, 2024, at noon on Main Street. Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in participating are encouraged to reach out for more information or to reserve their spot.

For Gala reservations or parade participation inquiries, contact:

A Community Effort

The success of the Littleton Civic Booster Club’s efforts is a testament to the community’s support and engagement. From float builders to parade judges, local businesses, and spectators, the parade and associated events embody Littleton’s holiday spirit and unity.