Trifecta of holiday celebrations turn Middletown into ‘a Christmas town’

The dreams of three Middletown women will play out throughout the holiday season during a drivethrough lights display, a Santa parade and a downtown festival that will include lights, an ice skating rink, entertainment and food and beverages.

Flo Randall, Linda Moorman and Avinne Kiser successfully brought these holiday festivities to Middletown,

Twenty years ago, Randall came up with the idea for Light Up Middletown at Smith Park after visiting a similar display in a different city. Over the years, more lights and animated characters have been added through proceeds from the drive-through event.

LUM kicks off tonight and runs from 6 to 10 p.m. every day through Dec. 31, regardless of weather. Visitors are asked to make a cash donation. Organizers said lines typically are shorter during the week.

The 14th Santa Parade starts at 4 p.m. Saturday, said Moorman, the organizer. The parade will start near the MidPointe Library Middletown on South Broad Street and end on Manchester Avenue near the former Manchester Inn.

Middletown native Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time Professional Fighters League champion, will serve as parade grand marshal.

“Kayla is a great representative for the city,” Moorman said.

Due to COVID-19, Santa, who will ride in a Middletown fire truck during the parade, will not remain at Governor’s Square after the parade. Moorman said children who want to visit and have their pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus may do so inside Pendleton Art Center provided by Holiday Whopla.

Then Santa will light the Christmas tree at 5 p.m. Saturday and