PEABODY, MA — (www.northshore-bank.com) North Shore Bank recently made a $2,500 contribution to the Merrimac Santa Parade Committee. This annual event held every December started in 1948 with a small car, a few marchers and a borrowed trailer for Santa and his sleigh. Today, as one of the town’s most cherished traditions, in addition to Santa and his reindeer the parade features marching bands from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the Aleppo Shriners from Wilmington, a string of fire trucks from surrounding towns, a collection of antique cars, and a long list of characters greeting the children along the parade route. This year’s parade is scheduled for Sunday, December 4th.

According to Tom Jordan, Secretary and Treasurer of the Santa Parade Committee, approximately $20,000 is needed to fund the parade each year, which goes towards the entertainers, as well as decoration for the Town Square.

Jordan said of North Shore Bank’s continued support:

Since 2011, North Shore Bank has been a major sponsor of the Merrimac Santa Committee. Their donation helps keep this seasonal tradition alive. We thank the bank for their long-time commitment to our committee and the community.

Thomas Sulick, Branch Manager of North Shore Bank’s Merrimac and Newton, NH branches said of the parade:

This is a wonderful community event that we’re proud to support. Our contribution helps bring the Londonderry NH Marching Band to the parade – one of the biggest attractions of the day.” He added, “It’s great seeing the entire town come out to enjoy the holiday together.

About the Merrimac Santa Parade Committee
This small volunteer committee works hard organizing events throughout the year to raise money for the holiday parade. The committee meets monthly from January to August, and then every two weeks from September to December. For more information on the Santa Parade Committee, visit www.merrimac01860.info/213/Santa-Parade-Committee, or call 978-407-8537.