New Parade Route, Gazebo Await Frosty This Saturday in Armonk
One of the most anticipated days of the year in Armonk is when Frosty the Snowman is welcomed back to his hometown.
This year’s Frosty Day celebration on Saturday afternoon will be bigger and better than ever, featuring several new wrinkles and the re-introduction of one of the hamlet’s most recognizable structures.
The day has become one of the biggest draws for the town, attracting families throughout Westchester, said town resident Robbie Morris, one of the Frosty Day volunteer organizers and a member of the Morris Troupe Clown Group that will be strolling downtown throughout the day. Last year under clear and seasonable conditions the center of Armonk was brimming with visitors in what was the best-attended Frosty Day since its inception in 2010.
Morris said the uniqueness of the celebration, which features an appearance by the famous snowman, is what makes Frosty Day special. Armonk has claimed Frosty as its own because Steven Nelson, the lyricist for the 1950s Christmas hit song “Frosty the Snowman,” lived in the hamlet from about 1950 until his death in 1981.
Activities throughout downtown Armonk get underway at noon.
“It’s really become quite the event,” Morris said. “At least 50 percent come from out of town. It’s really the only event like this and it’s not dealing with busy malls or anything like that. It’s all about fun and the kids.”
The biggest change for this year’s celebration is a new parade route that concludes at Wampus Brook Park with the 5 p.m. tree lighting ceremony, Morris said. The parade will start on Old Route 22 at 4:30 p.m. and move north along Main Street to Maple Avenue before turning right to go to the park. In previous years, it would start at the Town Center Shopping Center on Route 128 and proceed south to Bedford Road, then wind around to the park.
Morris said the change was made primarily because Bedford Road in front of Town Hall is not well lit. It is also a way to introduce something new and keep the celebration fresh, he said.
When the parade reaches the park for the tree lighting, it will be held at the nearly completed gazebo. The newly-built structure replaces the original 1967 gazebo, which collapsed about a year-and-a-half ago. Town Administrator Joan Goldberg said the only feature that isn’t ready is the handicapped accessible ramp.
“Frosty is going to be on it,” Goldberg promised.
Other new features include a hayride at Wampus Brook Park, surrounded by a banjo band, sponsored by White Plains Hospital’s Medical and Wellness Center and a second train ride at Town Hall, sponsored by Breezemont Day Camp.
St. Stephens Church will hold its Holiday Bazaar and have carolers singing holiday songs. Other musical groups and entertainers will also be seen performing.
Throughout downtown will be Frosty and holiday-themed activities. Many of the merchants will be offering free refreshments or holding sales on what is also Small Business Saturday. Morris said Westlake High School students will be creating a mural wall near DeCicco Family Markets.
North Castle Supervisor Michael Schiliro said the fact that it’s a cold-weather parade kicking off the holiday season with lots of children makes it fun day. Preparation for the day also brings the town together, he said.
“It’s a great illustration of what’s so special about the town, all three hamlets, and it culminates in something like this,” Schiliro said. “It’s great and it’s all volunteers.”
For more information and a full listing of the activities, visit www.armonkfrosty.com.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/
