Parade participants waved from boats, a Piper airplane, horseback, Harleys, Jeeps, a locomotive and even a Triton submarine, thrilling the estimated 6,000 to 7,000 cheering revelers who lined the streets of Ocean Drive for the 32nd annual Vero Beach Christmas Parade sponsored by the Oceanside Business Association and Sunrise Rotary Club.
The event was preceded by the Runner’s Depot Candy Cane 3K, and as the festivities ramped up, children swarmed Humiston Park and worked off pre-parade excitement and energy while adults indulged in some tailgating, enjoying the superb weather.
More than 75 floats and 30 other parade entries participated, passing by their appreciative hometown supporters and filling the air with the sounds of music and holiday salutations. From the opening police and fire rescue sirens to the final Dubose & Son sleigh float carrying Treasure Coast Santa (aka Ron Davidson), the crowd showed their delight as they waved to family and neighbors in the parade.
For 15-year Vero resident Lisa Hughes, the parade is a never-missed family tradition shared with her daughter.
“She is 13 now and we come and sit in this same spot in front of Cravings every year and get a cookie,” said Hughes. “Right now she is off with her friends but I can just wait here and she knows where to find me. This is what starts our Christmas.”
The parade is also a warm community connection for residents new to the area or who miss their own hometown traditions.
“This was such an awesome parade,” said Arthur McGileray, sitting at Grind & Grape with his wife and friend, all Boston transplants. “People are always saying how much they like Christmas in the north, but nothing looks more beautiful than lights on a palm tree.”
“Watching all the children’s faces light up was the best part,” said Marie Gillis. “When you don’t have grandkids around you it is so nice to see all the children.”
Organizers were thrilled with the attendance and smooth execution, many crediting it to parade coordinator Karen Dodson.
“We actually begin planning seven months ahead,” said Dodson. “The hardest part is getting everyone to come to the mandatory pre-event meeting and then getting them in the right order.”
Booking Santa is also vitally important and organizers were fortunate to get Piper Aircraft to fly Santa into Vero Beach Airport.
“I was lucky enough to stay overnight at a private residence in Sebastian; very top secret,” said Santa with a twinkle. “It is a big event and it is like being a rock star. You have to say hello to all the people. I make a point of stopping by all the floats before the parade since the kids in the parade usually don’t get to see me in my sleigh. You have to put 110 percent into it.”
Every entry was outstanding, but in the end, the following were chosen as the winners: Most Holiday Spirit: Dubose & Son; Most Enthusiastic: Mardy Fish Foundation; Most Original: Triton Submarines; Best Performance: Vero Beach Senior High School Band; and Best of Parade: Masters Academy.