VERO BEACH — A harbinger of the winter holiday season here in Vero Beach is the annual Christmas parade. Saturday night’s parade was more festive than previous years, with fantastic weather, floats and more.
The Oceanside Business Association and the Treasure Coast Rotary Club were the forces behind the 29th annual holiday extravaganza and canned food drive, and the entries included the Marines and their Toys for Tots van, and the big guy himself, Santa Claus, who was riding in his new sleigh, festooned with all kinds of twinkle, and sponsored by Dubose and Sons Jewelers.
Rosewood Magnet School had another amazing float put together by very creative and energetic parents. The solar system themed float, Holiday Blast Off, was filled with students waving excitedly at the crowds, along with a festively dressed alien.
The Treasure Coast Jeep Club dazzled the crowd with Jeeps, including one decorated like a candy cane, and a blue and white tinseled confection with its own tree and presents.
The Vero Beach Cobras, clad in black T-shirts festooned with “Ride or Die” across the front, rode their beach bicycles, followed by some roller derby girls.
“If you are a really good float, you’d hand out beers,” said one spectator, standing in front of Waldo’s. “Or red and green Jell-O shots,” added his wife.
Vero residents Terry and Bo Spradling brought their three sons, Aiden, 5, Austin, 8, and Avery, 11. The family scored a perfect viewing spot in front of the Lemon Tree.
Their F350 Ford truck was tricked out with blankets, chairs, and other things to keep the family comfortable while they enjoyed the spectacle.
“We got here around 3 o’clock, found our spot, had pizza from Nino’s,” Bo Spradling said.
“It’s a tradition for us,” said Terry Spradling. “We’ve been coming to the parade even before the boys were born.”
Ocean Drive was abuzz with the jingle of money being spent in stores that stayed open after the parade, so people could shop and mingle. Festive window displays made even the Scrooges in the crowd smile, especially the mermaids and mermen on display at Shells & Things.
Smart celebrants who knew the traffic jam would be longer and less enjoyable than the parade itself, stuck around and partied at the various watering holes along Ocean Drive, including a new addition to the rotation, Blue Star Wine Bar on Bougainvillea Lane.
“The parade was great. Everything was so cool. I love watching the little kids,” said Virgie Weibel, a Gifford Middle School Student, who was checking out the merchandise in Twirl, with her sister, Elle, getting ideas for their Christmas lists.
Santa was in fine form on his new sled, and afterwards he held court at Kilwins.
“I come to Vero at this time of year, because it’s nice and quiet and I get my thoughts together,” Santa said. “With modern technology, I can use the Santa pad and stay in touch with all my elves. I get tan and I’m relaxed for the big night.”
After sitting for photos with children of all ages, and enjoying some hot chocolate, Santa waxed philosophically.
“If we could all act like it was Christmas all year round, the world would be so much better,” he said.