New Rochelle Celebrates Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Family members of Robert L. May will be in attendance.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s creator, Robert L. May will be inducted into New Rochelle’s “Walk of Fame” on Sunday, December 4. To properly celebrate Mr. May and his iconic figure, everyone is invited to join an activity-packed festival, Rudolph Rocs New Ro at Ruby Dee Park on Library Green from 3pm-5pm. The event is hosted by New Rochelle Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, and New Rochelle Public Library.

For Sunday’s festival, Ruby Dee Park at Library Green will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with Rudolph characters, music and dancing, arts and crafts, make-a-gift, face-painting, and a gingerbread bounce house. Participants are invited to dress as a reindeer—free antlers and red noses will be provided

The induction ceremony will take place at 4PM, with Robert May taking his place among a host of notables—including other holiday image-makers such as J. Fred Coots, the composer of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and illustrator Norman Rockwell. Members of the May family will be in attendance.

“My siblings and I are thrilled that our father is being honored by his childhood ‘hometown’ of New Rochelle,” said Robert’s daughter Martha May. “He would be so pleased to know that Rudolph’s story continues to give joy and inspiration, particularly to children who need that extra boost of confidence and courage.”

The festivities will continue at 5:00 pm with the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Memorial Plaza, featuring music, refreshments and a surprise visitor- ho, ho, ho!