Local businesses and members of the community gathered last Saturday, December 10th, for the annual Niantic Light Parade in downtown Niantic. The parade celebrated its 34th anniversary this year and attracted thousands of people. “The largest and brightest parade” featured many spectacular performances from local dancers and musicians and featured key members of our community. The Waterford High School Cheerleaders also participated in the parade. Local groups of families and friends gathered close and watched the performances from local bands and studios to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. Junior Samantha Silva said, “The parade has lots of positive energy this year and there were so many amazing floats, it’s nice when both rival towns celebrate the holidays together (East Lyme and Waterford).” The Light Parade is definitely a local favorite winter festivity bonding communities together and has been lighting up the holiday season since 1988.