Carolers spread the Christmas cheer Friday night while riding a float down Congress Street during the Christmas in the Valley Parade in Rumford. Hosted by the Rumford Fireman’s Relief Association and the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the parade featured several floats, area emergency response vehicles, jolly ol’ Saint Nick himself in a sleigh, and the lighting of the town tree. Parents and children were then invited to the Rumford fire station for hot chocolate, coffee, and a treat from Santa and free photographs with him.

Participants in Friday night’s Christmas in the Valley Parade depict a yuletide gathering of rednecks while traveling down Congress Street in Rumford.

One of several family-themed Christmas floats travels down Congress Street during Friday night’s Christmas in the Valley Parade in Rumford.

Dressed as one of Santa’s elven helpers, Rumford Selectman Frank DiConzo yells “Merry Christmas” and waves to bystanders while walking alongside floats down Congress Street during Friday night’s Christmas in the Valley Parade in Rumford.