Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Town of Simsbury welcomes the beginning of the holiday season with a celebration in the town center. Known as Simsbury Celebrates!, a diverse selection of family events for people of all ages are held at several downtown indoor and outdoor locations.

Over the years, the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company's Torchlight Parade has become one of the evening's marquis events. For the parade, the Fire Company adorns many of the town's fire apparatus with lights and other festive decorations, and members march up Hopmeadow Street passing out candy to the children along the route. Many other departments from around the area accept the Fire Company's invitation and also participate in this enjoyable occasion.

Prior to the parade, the Simsbury Ladies Auxiliary hosted a dinner for all of the participating departments and their families at the Main Station.

JT Huber at the wheel of Engine 16.

Rescue 14 from Bushy Hill, also known as Station 36.

Simsbury's Marine 1.

Susan Colman hands-out candy as Joel Warren gets the crowd excited.

Old Engine 2 from Poquonock, Windsor Volunteer Fire Company.

Our friends to the south, Avon Volunteer Fire Department.

Santa arrives on Engine 1 driven by Ken Myers.

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JT Huber at the wheel of Engine 16.

 

Photographs by Cliff Williams