NEW ROCHELLE, NY (November 14, 2025) — Chris Selin, a former New Rochelle City Council representative and former president of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation, will serve as grand marshal of the 61st annual New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade on Nov. 22, 2025.
In the 61 year history of the parade, Selin is only the second woman so honored. The first was Frances Sternhagen who served as grand marshal of the New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade in 1995. Both are from Sutton Manor.
The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and the city announced Selin’s selection Wednesday. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Eastchester Road and North Avenue and ends at Bonnefoy Place.
Selin will ride in a convertible Audi S5 Cabriolet provided by Audi New Rochelle.
“It is such an honor to be chosen the Grand Marshal of this year’s Thanksgiving Parade,” Selin said in a statement. “This special place, New Rochelle, has been my home for 48 years. … I am delighted and so grateful for this honor. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving, New Rochelle!”
Selin moved to New Rochelle in 1977 after graduating from St. John’s University School of Law. She later earned a master’s in environmental law from Pace University Law School.
She served on the City Council from District 2 from 1994 to 2003 and returned in July 2006 to complete an unexpired term. Selin was president of the Sutton Manor Homeowners’ Association and organized five additional homeowners’ associations in the city’s East End.
She joined the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation board in 2006 and served as president from June 2015 to June 2024. Selin also chaired the library’s Strategic Plan Committee, served on the Westchester County Planning Board for three years and was a member of the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District from 2003 to 2017.
“The New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade is a NR Chamber and City tradition,” said Rob Hayes, president of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and owner of The Beechmont Tavern. “This year’s Parade honors Grand Marshal Chris Selin for her long service to the City in both a professional and volunteer capacity. … Congratulations!”
The parade will feature the iconic Mighty Mouse balloon, Tom the Turkey, Curious George, Scooby Doo, Bugs Bunny and others. Marching bands, classic cars, firetrucks, dancers, singers and groups from Iona University, Monroe University, local schools, businesses and community organizations will participate. Santa Claus will appear.
A performance area is located on North Avenue across from Anderson Plaza. The event will be recorded for multiple broadcasts on NRTV during Thanksgiving weekend.
The chamber is accepting applications to march, along with sponsors and volunteers. Details are available at https://bit.ly/4nM04kJ.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.