Downtown Salem will usher in the holiday season with its annual community parade on Black Friday, November 28, marking the official start of the city’s winter festivities.
Organized by the Salem Main Street Association, the event is entirely volunteer-run and aims to bring residents together for a night of celebration and holiday cheer. Streets along the parade route will start closing down around 4:30 p.m., with the parade scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The tree lighting — held at the corner of Commercial and Court above Stefani Art Gallery — will take place directly following the end of the parade.
“This is really just to unite people,” said Ruben Garibay of HomeSmart Realty Group, a representative of the Salem Main Street Association. “The goal is to bring people together, bring smiles to the community’s faces, bring joy to children, and create a sense of togetherness — at least for one night of good fun.”
A Growing Community Tradition
The parade, which has become a staple of Salem’s holiday calendar, draws families, local organizations, and businesses to participate in what has evolved into one of the area’s largest annual gatherings. Registrations remain open for floats, and organizers are continuing preparations for the event.
Organizers hope to have multiple high school marching bands participating, adding a familiar rhythm and hometown energy to the evening’s festivities.
The Main Street Association has positioned the parade not just as a seasonal attraction, but as a showcase of community pride. The nonprofit group, composed entirely of volunteers, invests countless hours into planning, decorating, and ensuring the event runs smoothly.
Behind the Scenes: Lighting Up Downtown
The parade is part of a broader monthlong effort to illuminate downtown. The Salem Main Street Association begins installing holiday lights on November 1, continuing each weekend through the month. Work sessions take place every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon at Buddy’s Workshop, located in the Salem Center Mall.
The lighting effort is a massive undertaking — hundreds of strings of lights are installed by volunteers who brave the November chill to ensure the downtown area is ready for the season. By Thanksgiving week, the city will “flip the switch,” lighting up streets and storefronts in time for the parade.
“The lights are all volunteer-installed,” Garibay said. “We’ll keep working on them until we flip the switch right before Thanksgiving, so everything will be glowing for parade night.”
How to Get Involved
Residents who want to participate have multiple options. Volunteer sign-ups and float registrations are available through the Salem Main Street Association website, where a Google Form is linked for convenience.
However, walk-in help is also encouraged. “People can just show up — volunteers will be there to direct and show them how to help put up the lights,” Garibay said. “All types of volunteers are welcome.”
Garibay added that the event is as much about civic connection as it is about spectacle. In a year that’s seen rising costs and economic pressure on small businesses, events like the holiday parade offer local shops and restaurants an important boost — and a reminder of what makes community life in Salem unique.
“Even one evening of joy and shared purpose can make a difference,” Garibay said.
For more information or to register a float, visit salemmainstreetassociation.org
