One day before a visit in Haverhill, Santa Claus will appear during the Methuen Santa Parade Saturday, Nov. 19, starting at 1 p.m.
The Methuen parade begins from the Pelham Street park and ride lot, proceeding east on Pelham Street, onto Lowell Street and Hampshire Street before crossing over Broadway, route 28, to Charles Street, Pleasant Street then Pleasant View Street to end at Nicholson Stadium. A reviewing stand for local officials will be set up in front of the Tenney Gate House at Methuen City Hall, 41 Pleasant St.
“As always, the parade will feature floats, bands, clowns, music, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus! This is one of the great celebrations in our city each year, a statement by the City of Methuen reads.
Methuen police advise road closures and detours near the parade route will occur on a staggered schedule Saturday, beginning at 11:15 a.m. with Pelham Street eastbound traffic at Sunoco Gas Station, near Interstate 93, detoured onto Mystic Street as will Pelham Street westbound from route 113. At noon, route 28 southbound traffic will be detoured onto route 213 eastbound while route 28 northbound will be diverted at Osgood Street. At 12:30 p.m., Pleasant street westbound at Medford Street and eastbound between Charles and Pleasant View streets will be closed. At that time, Pleasant View Street will also close between Pleasant Street and Nicholson Stadium. All streets are expected to reopen by 3 p.m., Methuen police said.
For parade staging, vehicles must be removed from the Pelham Street Park and Ride lot at 10 p.m., Friday, when it will be closed until 3 p.m., Saturday, police added.
For more information, contact Jill Stackelin at 978-983-8578.
The city’s annual tree lighting takes place Sunday, Nov. 20, with celebrations beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 6:15, at Nevins Memorial Library.