(Poughkeepsie, NY) On Friday, December 4th at 6:30pm the City of Poughkeepsie, in conjunction with the Bardavon, and the Poughkeepsie River District Business Association, will kick off this year's holiday season with the 16th annual Celebration of Lights Parade and Fireworks. Each year thousands of people attend this event in Poughkeepsie, voted by Dutchess County Tourism as the "Best Event" of the holiday season.

The parade will commence at 6:30pm on Main Street and Garden Street and march to a Christmas tree lighting on Main, near Market Street. Proceeding down Main Street to Clover Street where the parade will convene at Dongan Square Park for a second tree lighting. Then at 7:15, revelers will be treated to the area's only winter fireworks display along Poughkeepsie's waterfront by Legion Fireworks. Coinciding with the parade and fireworks, and throughout the evening, the River District establishments (Amici's, The Derby, Caffe Aurora, Mahoney's, Milanese, Noah's Ark, River Station, and Spanky's) will offer entertainment, and food and beverage specials.

Following the parade and fireworks, the Bardavon will present a screening of the family film classic Mary Poppins (1964) at 8pm, preceded at 7:30pm with a concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. This musical film stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke and was produced by Walt Disney, and based on the Mary Poppins books series by P. L. Travers. The film received 13 Academy Awards nominations and won 5 awards. This makes Mary Poppins the most Oscar-nominated Disney film in history.

At 6:30 pm, the Celebration of Lights Parade led by Mayor John Tkazyik and members of the Common Council will be joined by the Amerscott Highland Pipers, Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Ensemble and Middle School Choir, Poughkeepsie Exempt Fireman's Association Color Guard, DARE, Arlington Rotary Club, Columbia Elementary School PTA, Dutchess County Girl & Boy Scouts and several Hudson Valley Philharmonic brass ensembles. Also joining in the parade will be performances by Arm of the Sea Theatre and IABAS Traditional Brazilian Band with 200 children from Warring, Clinton and Kreiger elementary schools. Thunder Road Cruisers will supply several classic (50's/60's) cars plus a float representing the club and Al's Garage will also supply a float and hay ride. Finally Santa Claus will arrive on a City of Poughkeepsie Fire Engine.

Sponsors include: Rhinebeck Savings Bank, WPDH/WRRV/Mix 97/Wolf 94.3, WDST, WKZE, WKIP, The City of Poughkeepsie PBA, Hickey-Finn Insurance, Fallkill Properties, Central Hudson, Majestic Insurance, Northwestern Insurance, Dutchess Beer Distributors, McCabe & Mack, Prime Retirement Asset Management, Riverside Bank, Dutchess Quarry & Supply Co., and The Poughkeepsie Junior League.

Parking is readily available in City of Poughkeepsie Municipal lots. For further info check out the Bardavon web site at www.bardavon.org or call the Bardavon at (845) 473-2072.