The Tri-State Chamber of Commerce hosted the 53rd Annual Rick Drew Holiday Parade in downtown Port Jervis, NY, on Sunday evening, drawing crowds from across the region for one of the city’s most cherished holiday traditions. Stepping off from Airport Park in Matamoras at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, 2025, the parade made its way into downtown Port Jervis and ended at the Promenade on Front Street with the City of Port Jervis Tree Lighting Ceremony, festive music, and a visit from Santa.
This year’s celebration brought together local organizations, musicians, youth groups, first responders, and families—filling the streets with colorful floats, bright lights, and strong community spirit. Five awards were presented: Most Original (1st & 2nd Place), Best Appearing Musical Unit, Most Spirited Animal Participation, and Best Overall.
Northern Academy Tai Drum Team wins best appearing musical unit
The Northern Academy Tai Drum team earned the Best Appearing Musical Unit Award in their first-ever appearance at the parade. Led by Conductor Zhou, the group features high school and college students from Northern Academy of the Arts and Fei Tian College.
“We feel really honored,” Zhou said. “Our Tai team just wants to share all the joy, peacefulness, truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance with the whole world through our music.”
The group rehearses weekly and embraced the challenge of performing in cold weather. Some of their decorative lights were damaged by the wind while crossing the bridge, but Zhou said, “The drumming is the most important. Everyone has to stay focused so we can play together.”
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Local leaders celebrate tradition and togetherness
Port Jervis Mayor Dominic M. Cicalese emphasized the parade’s continued importance to the city.
“We’re big Christmas people here,” he said. “This is a big community gathering… everybody’s together for one common good, and that’s through the tree lighting and the Christmas parade.”
The Tri-State Chamber organizes the parade each year, while Mayor Cicalese oversees the tree lighting ceremony held across from the historic Erie Hotel.
New York State Assemblyman Karl A. Brabenec (98th District) said the celebration brings “holiday cheer” to the city.
“It’s a very important event to bring everyone together,” he said. “I hope everybody has a happy, healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year. Things seem to be going in the right direction here.”
Parade and tree lighting combined into one big celebration
Salvation Army Captain Scott Swires noted that merging the parade and tree lighting into a single evening has boosted attendance.
“In the past they were separated,” he said. “Putting everything into one night makes it more of an experience and easier for people to come out and celebrate. You can see it in the number of people who participate and watch.”
The Sparrowbush Engine Company won Best Overall with their humorous and detailed float.
“We’re Santa’s sleigh—but the Grinch hijacked the sleigh,” explained Terry, dressed as a reindeer and leading the group. The volunteers prepare for months and are already planning next year’s design. “It’s important to be part of the parade and make the kids happy,” she said.
The Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corps earned Most Original (1st Place) after decorating their ambulance earlier in the day. Captain Scott Glynn, who has served as squad captain for six years, said their participation honors the parade’s namesake. “I’ve known Rick Drew since I was a kid,” he said. “We’re paying homage to what he did to put this event together.”
Milford Cub Scouts Pack 1071 also marched proudly. “Scouts is integral in the community,” said Cubmaster Mike Gillespie. “We teach citizenship, leadership, faith, and service—everything that makes them good citizens.” The pack includes 50 scouts, many of whom helped escort their float.
Port Jervis Residents share the joy of celebration
Local residents expressed how much the event means to them. Rebecca, attending for the first time, said she especially enjoyed the “people with the yellow colors,” referring to the Falun Dafa group. “It brings everybody together. They get out of the house, they meet people.”
Longtime resident Debbie attended the tree lighting for the first time and called it “very important for the community.”
Sarah, a Port Jervis native who attended with her husband, daughter, and mother, said she comes every year. “I grew up here,” she said. “It’s nice to support the community and get my daughter involved.”
As Santa greeted children and the holiday lights illuminated Front Street, the 53rd Rick Drew Holiday Parade once again delivered its message of joy, unity, and small-town holiday magic—bringing the Tri-State community together to celebrate the season.
