Patrick Smeraldo, Collaborative Children’s Solutions executive director, and Johnny LaMancuso are pictured. LaMancuso served as grand marshall for the 2023 Jamestown holiday parade while undergoing medical treatment. He will lead this year’s parade in person.

Johnny LaMancuso will return as grand marshal for Jamestown’s Jingle and Mingle Winter Festival and Gingerbread & Candy Land Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Originally named grand marshal in 2023, LaMancuso could only join virtually due to medical treatment in Philadelphia. Patrick Smeraldo, owner of Collaborative Children’s Solutions, promised LaMancuso last year that he could fulfill the role in person once he was well.

Now, LaMancuso will lead the parade atop the Toys for Tots float, surrounded by friends and family.

“Johnny’s return as grand marshal is a celebration of his strength and the support of the community,” Smeraldo said. “It’s a reminder that with determination and encouragement, we can overcome.”

The Jingle and Mingle Winter Festival will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. at Jamestown City Hall, 200 E. Third St., featuring horse and carriage rides, holiday character appearances, live music from Party McFly, and a performance by Buffalo magician Nick Manbretti at the Jackson Center. Registration is open for floats, community groups, businesses, and organizations at form.jotform.com/242847564371060.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. on Third Street, led by the Jamestown High School band and more than 100 floats, all decorated in a “Gingerbread & Candy Land” theme. Festivities will conclude with the City Hall tree lighting and a fireworks display.

For the latest updates on Jamestown’s Jingle and Mingle Winter Festival and Holiday Parade, follow Collaborative Children’s Solutions on Facebook. Join the event page for announcements, event details, and exclusive previews as the festival approaches.

For those unable to attend in person, CCS-TV will broadcast the parade live starting at 6 p.m. on CCS-TV.com, Roku, YouTube, and the CCS-TV mobile app. The app is available for download on Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching “CCS-TV.”