As traffic backed up with stalled fire trucks and school buses along Pembroke Road on Saturday, some wondered how the Concord Christmas Parade would start on time. No one could get into the Community Bridges parking lot and the parade was soon to begin. But Dick Patten looked calm and called for all the groups to get into place.
“The marching band needs to be over here,” shouted Patten, and the Concord High School band marched over and all fell into place.
The Concord police and fire departments led the way down Canterbury Road, past the new Community Center and then a left onto Loudon Road where the street was lined with spectators for the 69th edition of the annual event. The route was shortened this year and ended off of Hazen Drive but there were just as many entrants as usual.