Ogdensburg’s Ford Street will be all aglow for the second annual Light up the Night Parade Saturday.

Hosted by the Ogdensburg and Lisbon Lions Club, is year’s Light up the Night parade will highlight local charities: Toys for Tots, The Salvation Army, the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA, the Ogdensburg Neighborhood Center, and PJ’s for Christmas.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the parade will feature all types of floats, vehicles, and walking units for a glittering holiday spectacle.

The parade will begin at Roethel’s Custom Graphics, 1801 Ford St., and travel down Ford Street past City Hall to the Mall parking lot.

Police Chief Richard Polniak has issued a no parking order on Ford Street for duration of the parade.

“We’re up to 70 to 75 floats, ten more than last year,” said Cathy M. Amell, Lions Club member and organizer. “We’re highlighting more charities this year, too, including PJs for Christmas.”

After the parade, children will have an opportunity to get their picture taken with Santa Claus at City Hall. Volunteers will be treated to a dinner prepared by Amvets Post 19, 215 Ford St.

The Lions Club Light up the Night Parade Committee is asking all Ford Street residents to get in the holiday spirit and decorate their homes for the parade on Saturday night.

“We’re hoping that people will consider lighting up their houses to help enhance the lights in the parade,” said event coordinator Rhonda Roethel.

The Lions Clubs of Lisbon and Ogdensburg Lions Club are offering activities all day leading up to the parade.

The 24th Annual Thanksgiving Craft Show and Sale at Kennedy School will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 100 vendors will be in attendance. Admission is $3.

Lights on the River will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge on Caroline Street before the parade.

Admission is $7.50 for adults, ages six to 12 is $5, and free for five and under.

“The parade is a great way to start the holiday season before the rush,” said Ms. Amell. “Sometimes the holidays can become too commercialized. We want to kick off the holiday season on a good note, and help these charities just because they help so many during this time of year.”

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