Residents of Palmer Twp. were once again treated to a beautiful display of lights last Saturday evening as the 3rd annual “Lighted Train on the Chain” holiday parade wound its way along the Briggs chain of lakes. Scores of warmly dressed parade watchers, many grouped around bonfires in their yards or driveways, were on hand to wave and cheer as the parade passed them by.

The parade was begun three years ago by Robert Sinclair, who got the idea from the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train that comes through Canada, Minnesota, and other northern U.S. states every year. As that train doesn’t stop near the Palmer area, Sinclair decided to create a local lighted train for residents to enjoy close to home.

The lighted train parade has proven popular and has grown from the first year of 16 ‘train cars’, to 30 participants this year. Entries are limited to side-by-sides, ATVs, golf carts, and jeeps. Trailers decorated with larger displays are also allowed.

Because of its growth, ‘train stations’ were added along the parade route last year with bonfires and food for participants to stop and admire everyone’s decorating. 

“It was so fun seeing how excited kids were when we came up,” said Sinclair. “It’s been a tough year on them being locked down. I thought this was one thing we could still do to bring cheer to the community during the holidays.”

Sinclair expressed thanks for the business support, as well as the many individual volunteers and the support of the community.