Jingle jangle down the lane: Snow and Santa arrive at annual Marion Stroll
The Clauses greet Marion. Photos by Mari Huglin
The Crete family always brings Santa hats to share with their two Leonbergers. 
Family members smile as they wait for Santa to arrive.
Kids wait at the dock for Santa.
Mr. and Mrs. Clause have a water-y entrance.
A Dalmatian has Santa on his back.
Families trekked through the snow to see Santa on a boat.
Mrs. Clause is waves to the crowd.
School bands played "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" as Santa docked his boat.
One trumpet player prepares for the song.
Front Street in Marion was packed with attendees.
Booths handed out hot drinks and soup for all.
One trombone player warms up before his performance.
Strollers enjoyed the snow.
The Clauses greet Marion. Photos by Mari Huglin
The Crete family always brings Santa hats to share with their two Leonbergers.
Family members smile as they wait for Santa to arrive.
Kids wait at the dock for Santa.
Mr. and Mrs. Clause have a water-y entrance.
A Dalmatian has Santa on his back.
Families trekked through the snow to see Santa on a boat.
Mrs. Clause is waves to the crowd.
School bands played "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" as Santa docked his boat.
One trumpet player prepares for the song.
Front Street in Marion was packed with attendees.
Booths handed out hot drinks and soup for all.
One trombone player warms up before his performance.
Strollers enjoyed the snow.
MARION — The Marion Stroll returned with snow dusting the village and Santa arriving by boat, a tradition supporting Marion small businesses for approximately 30 years.
The Marion Stroll took place Sunday, Dec. 14, and is an annual event supporting village stores and organizations around town and spreading holiday spirit.
Angela Rossi, the manager of the Marion General Store, is part of the Marion Business Council and hosts the event each year.
“I always hear people say it's like being in a Norman Rockwell painting or a Hallmark movie and I think just that community spirit makes it a fun event,” Rossi said.
The Stroll began with Jack and Betty Cheney as a way to give back to the community, according to Rossi. After she moved here six years ago, Rossi wanted to become more involved in supporting the community.
Rossi explained it is so popular because it is free, fun and open to everyone. It is a safe place for kids, neighbors and businesses to congregate.
The community aspect is one of Rossi's favorite parts. She loves seeing neighbors help each other out, especially with all the snow.
“Volunteers from every little neighborhood around here have come out . . . they help out and they pitch in … it's just a really great feeling,” she said.
Rossi said she especially loves watching the kids interact with Santa, the Grinch and Frosty the Snowman as they get to grow up with a magical event they can keep coming back to.
There was face painting and pictures with Santa for kids. Adults could enjoy free food and drinks while they shopped around the village.
Addie Crete and Molly Franco, juniors at Old Rochester, were at the Stroll to hand out Santa hats and enjoy the fun.
Crete has come to the Stroll almost every year and hands out Santa hats with her family.
“It's just kind of cool to see everyone come here and give stuff to it to make it fun every year,” she said.
Both girls said they liked how Marion is a small town, which makes events like this even more special.
“I'm just looking forward to seeing all the shops, and it's obviously prime weather conditions, so I'm excited to meet new people and feel the holiday joy,” said Franco.
Crete and Franco looked forward to meeting new people as well.
“I just want [people] to know that it takes a village literally,” Rossi said. “The Marion Village Christmas Stroll is just that. It's everybody helping each other and everybody being part of something special.”
