Gouverneur Chamber Christmas Parade Ushers In Holiday Season

by Rachel Hunter

On Saturday, December 6, Gouverneur came alive in Village Park as neighbors gathered shoulder to shoulder beneath twinkling lights to welcome the holiday season. Laughter mingled with carols, children’s eyes shone with wonder, and the glow of community spirit marked the joyful beginning of the 2025 holiday season.

Behind the festive cheer stood the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, whose mission reaches beyond celebration. By fostering local enterprise, promoting economic vitality, and uplifting community spirit, the Chamber ensures that moments like these are more than tradition — they are investments in the community’s future. Each gathering strengthens the bonds of partnership and service, reminding residents that Gouverneur’s prosperity is built not only on commerce, but on the shared joy of coming together.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade and Holiday Festivities offered family fun with Santa visits, live reindeer, refreshments, and more. The event was sponsored by Marble Member Kinney Drugs and Gold Members Bonaparte Pharmacy, Community Health Center of the North Country, Lawrence Manor, Northern Credit Union, and Northland Veterinary Hospital. The fun started at about 3 p.m. with the opportunity to meet the live reindeer from Shortsville Reindeer Farm LLC, and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides (thanks to Bango Valley Percherons in Richville) around the GS&L parking lot.

North Country families were awestruck by how the Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works had decked out the Gouverneur Village Park in readiness for the holiday season. The park once again featured the lit snowflakes and arch décor that was purchased following the Chamber’s 2021 Light Up Our Village fundraising campaign with the financial support of nearly 50 local businesses and community members. The community was also impressed with all the holiday lights installed in the Gouverneur Village Park Gazebo and throughout the Gouverneur Village Park. Others were thrilled to see the traditional wooden holiday decorations (Santa, nativity, carolers, and more) installed for the community’s enjoyment. Local businesses were also open on Saturday night, and the Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce encouraged all to “shop local” this holiday season and beyond. 

By 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, the North Country families had lined the sidewalks to enjoy the annual Christmas parade. Traffic control was handled throughout the event by local law enforcement, led by the Village of Gouverneur Police Department.

The parade was announced by Gouverneur Chamber Director Connie Stowell, assisted by Executive Director Donna Besaw, from the Village’s temporary stage installed by the village gazebo. The Chamber’s annual Christmas Parade and holiday festivities were also supported by President Brooke Plowman, Vice President Donna Lawrence, alongside Directors Shari Barnhart, Ray Babowicz, Michelle Blackburn, Diane Cocco, CJ Fitzgerald, Christian Gillan, Tim Reddick, Melissa Simione, Mickael White, and others.

The lead car in the 2025 Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade was the Gouverneur Police Department car, driven by Gouverneur Police Department Chief of Police Darren Fairbanks with passengers Carson Fairbanks and Reagan Faribanks. Other law enforcement in the parade included the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.

Local dignitaries in the parade included Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall and Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. The festively decorated Town of Gouverneur Highway Department plow truck pulled the float featuring the Gouverneur Wildcat Football and Girls Basketball Program. The Village of Gouverneur DPW truck was driven by Village of Gouverneur DPW Deputy Supt. Chris Fitzgerald with passengers Sally Fitzgerald and Hadley Fitzgerald.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce awarded its $50 prize to Legacy Crane, led by President Rob Macaulay, who generously returned the winnings to the Chamber. The local businesses participating included Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s Marble Sponsor Kinney Drugs, which was founded in Gouverneur in 1903. Other local businesses in the parade included the following: Northern Credit Union, Greenhill Well Drilling, Bango Valley Percherons, Spilman’s Garage, and New York Pizzeria. Also participating was St. James School, the Wildwood North 4-H Club, and the House Family.

The Gouverneur Fire Department brought three apparatuses. Engine 17 was driven by Chief Thomas Haynes. Truck 2 was operated by TJ Gore and Barry Gale. ETA-101 was driven by Dale Johnson. The Gouverneur Fire Department was tasked by the North Pole to safely bring Santa to the Gouverneur Village Park so he could meet with all the local children – and many of the youngest set squealed in excitement as they spotted Santa Claus waving atop GFD’s Rescue 4, driven by Jamie Hance. Others participating included: Richville Volunteer Fire Department (ETA-10, E-12, and R8) and the Gouverneur Rescue Squad.

Santa Claus was warmly greeted by Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall and Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce President Brooke Plowman before his seat in the Gouverneur Village Park Gazebo to visit with the local children. Santa’s throne was positioned in front of an ornately decorated Christmas tree, donated by the Gouverneur Lions Club, for the event. A long line formed, and eager youngsters ran into Santa’s awaiting arms. The youths told Santa Claus their Christmas wishes and were given special gifts from Santa Claus’ helpers, including Chamber President Brooke Plowman and her daughter Genevieve Plowman.

Much gratitude is extended to all those who contributed any type of service to the event’s success. For more information on the Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.gouverneurchamber.net.