Embattled Jolly Old Elf Visits City Hall

Mr. S. Claus stopped by City Hall Wednesday afternoon to brief city officials, the press and the public about this year’s City of Lights festivities, which will occur on Saturday November 24 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In introducing our special guest, Mayor Patrick Murphy said:

“The press isn’t here to hear me speak, or print what I say, accurately. No, they are here for our next character — a man of great controversy, a man whose critics have faulted him with widespread wealth re-distribution, and a tragic sense of fashion — notice the red everywhere, who is right now embroiled in bare-knuckled negotiations with his elf help, who everywhere leaves a trail of broken brick chimneys in his plus-sized wake and bizarrely claims his ride runs on carrots and magic, who promises so much hope he’ll never deliver, unless he determines that you’re nice. And while most of us think he’s a genuinely good, jolly old fellow, just trying to do his best, I want the press to hold his cold little feet to the fire — no softballs or puff piece snowballs, just truth seeking missiles. Ladies and gentlemen, the embattled Chief Official of the North Pole, which I believe is somewhere in the Acre —  Santa Claus.”

In addition to the signature parade, City of Lights includes a full day’s worth of activities including: a hot chocolate competition, live performances, a children’s shopping day at the Pollard Memorial Library, photos with Santa, the Festival of Wreaths, trolley tours of the city and more. Free parking will be offered at the John Street and Market Street garages.

The festivities are expected to bring more than 20,000 people into Downtown Lowell. This year’s City of Lights parade Grand Marshall is Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union President and CEO Mark Cochran, whose institution is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.

City of Lights Fundraising Committee Chairman John Chemaly told the crowd the committee has reached and surpassed it’s $25,000 goal.

More information, including the full schedule of events can be found at www.lowellcityoflights.org.