Christmas parade delivers hometown traditions

Santa Fe High School’s State Championship Raider Regiment marching band brought crowds to their feet as they wound along Main Street in Alachua’s annual Christmas parade Saturday.  The band was among nearly 60 units participating in the parade.

While a number of communities across the nation cancelled their Christmas parades this year due to economic woes, the annual Alachua Christmas parade took place as planned this past Saturday.  A partnership between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and the City of Alachua, this marked the 33^rd year of the event.  While some say the crowds were a bit thinner than in years past, the mild weather brought out hundreds of spectators who lined the street to see the floats, greet their friends and neighbors, and gather candy passed out by parade participants.

Kicking off the parade themed “Hometown Traditions,” was the Alachua Police Department and other law enforcement officials including Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell, Alachua Police Chief Joel DeCoursey and High Springs Police Chief Jim Troiano. The Babe Ruth Softball girls 12 & Under World Series Champions served as the parade’s Grand Marshals, ushering the floats through the downtown area. The parade featured nearly 60 decorated floats, several high-stepping equestrian teams, an award-winning marching band and even a small herd of llamas.

Positioned at the blinking light, area resident Gussie Lee, Alachua Recreation Director Hal Brady and Alachua City Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr. announced parade entries as they passed the judges’ reviewing stand.

Participating in the City of Alachua’s float was Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, Vice-Mayor Gary Hardacre and Commissioners Orien Hills and Robert Wilford as well as City Manager Traci Cain.  A highlight of the procession was Alachua’s own state champion Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band, putting on a spectacular show. Band Director Nate Bisco was presented with a plaque from the Alachua Chamber of Commerce recognizing the band for its excellence and contributions to the Alachua community.  Also representing Santa Fe High School were cheerleaders as well as the Lady Raider basketball team.

Civic organizations such as Alachua’s Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 88 made their annual appearance as well as Alachua’s Brownie Troop 1893 representing scouting in Alachua.

The parade was an undeniable hit with young and old alike.  Little ones, faces grinning from ear-to-ear and flushed with excitement, quickly retrieved candy and treats tossed into the crowd.

But as always, Santa Claus was the star of the event.  Waving to hundreds of awe-struck children, St. Nick appeared in his sleigh high atop a fire truck, wishing a merry Christmas to everyone.  In the blink of an eye, he was off – no doubt heading back to the North Pole to put the finishing touches on this year’s assortment of toys and presents.