By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
The Downtown Associates of North Attleborough’s annual Santa Parade will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 30 – and this year comes with a festive twist.
Traditionally, DANA invites residents to nominate a prominent local person or family to serve as grand marshal and ride on a float. But this year, the honor is going to a special guest who has appeared at every parade since its 1955 debut — Santa Claus.
“It’s going to be a celebration of love, laughter and holiday happiness,” said Maureen Merigold, a longstanding member of DANA and organizer of the parade. “We are giving back to Santa for his 70 years in our parade.”
Merigold has helped plan the Santa Parade for about 15 years, but attended the very first one when she was 5 years old. Each year grows bigger and better, she said, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different.
In recent years, DANA has added new attractions to the Yuletide celebration. Three years ago, a group of jeeps joined the lineup, followed the next year by a bagpipe player. Last year, costumed characters – including Spider-Man and princesses from Infinity & Beyond Character Entertainment – partook in the festivities.
This year, a North Attleborough motorcycle group will be a part of the parade, along with a “mad moose,” one of the owners of the Mad Moose Saloon, riding in a white convertible.
Crowd favorites such as antique cars, the Big Red Bus, dance school floats and many more will return this year. Merigold also highlighted the approximately 450 cheerleaders and football players that participate each year with North Attleboro Junior Football and Cheer.
“It’s all about family and giving back to the community,” said Merigold.
A self-described “hometown girl,” Merigold recalled marching in the parade at 7 years old with the North Attleborough Twirlettes, twirling batons beside a local drum and bugle corps, all while dressed in matching green felt skirts.
For Merigold, the parade is about creating memories for today’s children – moments they can carry with them for a lifetime. DANA’s “We ♥ North Attleborough” logo reflects that community spirit that shines bright this time of year.
Along with the parade, DANA hosts four other annual community events: the Back-to-School Shuffle, Halloween in the Park, the Chocolate Stroll and the Strawberry Festival.
“North Attleborough has a big heart. It’s a very spirited town that supports not only education and athletics, but also extracurricular activities,” said Merigold. “We just want to give back.”
The Santa Parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Nov. 30, starting on North Washington Street by Saint Mary’s Church and ending at the Veterans Park gazebo. Spectators are encouraged to gather there to sing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” to Mr. and Mrs. Claus before the tree lighting ceremony.
In past years Santa disembarked from his float – pulled by Miller’s Family Farm – and headed into the Masonic Lodge for meet-and-greets. This year he will remain on the wagon, where children can climb aboard for a free professional picture and special treat.
Children are encouraged this year to bring a letter to give to Santa, complete with a return address so he can write back. Elves will collect letters along the parade route, but they can also be dropped off at the post office or placed in the mailbox stationed by Santa at the gazebo.
Free hot chocolate will also be provided by the Masons. Residents can stay up to date on DANA events throughout the year by visiting their website: facebook.com/DANA02760/.