River of Light parade is Saturday

Dec. 2, 2021  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

UPDATE: This post was updated Friday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. with details about the Main Street closure for the parade.

The 2019 River of Light lantern parade fills Stowe and North Main Streets on a chilly December night. After the 2020 event done as a display, the parade returns this year on Saturday starting from the State Office Complex on South Main Street at 5 p.m. and ending at Dac Rowe Park. File photo by Gordon Miller.

Waterbury's 12th annual River of Light lantern parade sets off from in front of the State Office Complex at 5 p.m. sharp this Saturday, Dec. 4. 

With the theme "What brings you joy?" the event invites community members to join in the parade to Dac Rowe Park carrying lanterns depicting images of their favorite things. Organizers will have poles for carrying lanterns available at the parade start. 

Parking is available at the state offices. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear masks as a precaution against the COVID-19 virus. The finale at Dac Rowe will feature a bonfire, some refreshments and entertainment. 

Waterbury Recreation Director Nick Nadeau checked in on road closure logistics reminding the public that Main Street between Dac Rowe Park and St. Andrew’s Church will be closed temporarily between 5 and 5:30 p.m. “Each intersection that connects to Main Street during this time will also be closed by either a uniformed officer or a Norwich Univeristy cadet,” Nadeau said. Norwich students are regular parade volunteers each year. Side streets will open up for southbound traffic as the parade passes through, he explained.

Main Street will be fully opened once the parade reaches Dac Rowe Field. “Please be patient, vigilant, and courteous as there will be hundreds of children and their families walking in the parade, as well as hundreds more around the event spectating and walking towards the park,” Nadeau said.

More information including instructions on how to make a simple lantern is online at ariveroflightinwaterbury.org.

Read more about this year’s parade preparations and theme here.