Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Much to the delight of spectators, the annual Torchlight Parade featuring emergency vehicles adorned with colorful lights and decorations helped usher in the holiday season December 8 in Windsor, Connecticut. Following a Carol Sing on the Windsor Town Hall portico, the Torchlight Parade made its way through historic Windsor Center.

“The cooperation among everyone that volunteers is great. It’s a nice family event,” said Windsor Firefighter Tom Dillon of the Wilson Company, who has organized each Torchlight Parade over the past ten years, including the town’s inaugural one.

Engine One.

Firefighters on parade.

Windsor Elks.

Rounding the corner off Broad Street.

Four Seasons Landscaping won best entry.

Happy Holidays!

Initially, explained Dillon, the carol sings and torchlight parades were held on separate nights. However, he said it has worked out well to combine the timing for both the festive events sponsored by the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, Windsor Federal Savings and First Town Downtown.Playing holiday music, the Windsor Fife & Drum Corps led the parade. With the likes aboard of Frosty the Snowman and the jolly ole’ elf himself – Santa Claus – firetrucks, ambulances and cruisers from Windsor, South Windsor, Glastonbury, Simsbury, West Berlin and Suffield participated. Local businesses also took part and Four Seasons Landscaping won best overall entry. The team from South Windsor came away with out-of town bragging rights for best fire apparatus entry.

Sharran Selig Bennett accepts the first place trophy, on behalf of Four Seasons Landscaping, from Ashley of First Town Downtown and Windsor Firefighter Tom Dillon.

South Windsor accepts trophy for best fire apparatus entry.

From the town center the Torchlight Parade rolled down behind town hall to enjoy an old fashioned bonfire. with wood donated by T. J. Logging, Dillon said it took him a hour to build the bonfire which was then lit by his wife Margaret and daughter Jennifer.

“People don’t get to enjoy bonfires much anymore,” he noted.

Enjoying hot chocolate, Ron Eleveld and his daughter Analiese.

Windsor Firefighter Chris Baker with his wife Hope and their daughter Ava, 2.

Old Fashioned bonfire.

Folks gathered ’round the bonfire with cups of hot chocolate and other treats. Members of  the Windsor High School Key Club helped at the refreshment table.

Key Club.

A carol sing was held outside beautiful Windsor Town Hall.

Frosty the Snowman was part of the Carol Sing.

Strolling historic Windsor, Conn. town green after the 2012 Torchlight Parade.

Preceding the parade, the carol sing featured Karen Resch and a puppet show of favorite hoilday characters- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Between his appearances in the parade and the carol sing, Frosty was obviously very busy Saturday night!