Dover, New Hampshire, Holiday Parade 2022: Pictures and Video

The Dover Holiday Parade made a triumphant return on Sunday, with plans already in the works for an even bigger parade in 2023.

Cochecho Friends took on the responsibility of putting together the parade with the help of a cadre of volunteers that put in an 8 hour day on Sunday to make the parade a reality. Dover City Councilman Deputy Mayor Dennis Shanahan, along with Lori Nollet of Cochecho Friends, led the effort.

"Overall, we were very happy with the parade. Most importantly, the size of the crowd that came out to watch, in spite of the threat of rain, and during the rain when it came, was the goal we all sought," Shanahan told Seacoast Current.

Shanahan was especially happy with the work the Dover Police Department did to ensure a safe route, and the Fire Department to create an arch using two ladder trucks and a ride for Santa.

"We were very happy to see the large number of fire apparatus from surrounding cities and towns that made for a great end of the parade. This was also made possible by Dover Fire and Rescue," Shanahan said.

He was also pleased with the large number of youth groups that marched.

"We were ecstatic at the number of young folks that participated in the parade. We had many youth groups, and these groups turned out with dozens of marchers. We were taken aback by the quality of the floats and the extras that folks brought in, including live electric and acoustic guitar music, a mariachi band, and a bagpiper, to name a few," Shanahan said.

Nollet was not only appreciative of law enforcement, but also the volunteers and the parade's sponsors.

"The police and fire were wonderful, and always make the parade special. I’m looking forward to next year to hopefully grow our committee, as well as the parade and crowd size. A very big thank you to our sponsors as well. Truly without their financial support, this wouldn’t have happened," Nollet said.

They will be watching the Dover 400 celebrations, and hope to increase the size of next year’s Holiday Parade by at least 50%.

Next up for Dover's holiday celebration: the Downtown Dover Holiday Stroll Thursday from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Participating stores will have special in-store sales plus refreshments, snacks, gifts, and more. Check their Facebook page for more information.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH