So good, you get to see it twice.
For 52 years, that was the unofficial motto of the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department Children’s Christmas Parade. That’s because the traditional route took the popular attraction from the fire house on Ocean Avenue, up to the beach and back the same way.
But this year, it’s changing course.
Because the original parade route crosses over State Road A1A, Department of Transportation regulations for signage indicating road closure would cost organizers anywhere from $750 to $1,500. In the past they were able to work out a less costly arrangement, but this year, costs were too prohibitive, and since the parade is not a profit-making enterprise, the decision was made to change direction and keep the parade on local roads.
This year, the parade will begin at Advent Lutheran Church, 1805 Oak Street in Melbourne Beach. It will go north on Oak, take a left on Ocean Avenue heading west, and end at Ryckman Park.
Jim Turner, who serves as president of MBVFD Inc., the not-for-profit corporation that operates as the recruitment, fund-raising, community service and public relations sector of the fire department, hopes the new route will encourage residents to come out and represent their block along the way. “We want to see the neighborhood come and cheer the parade on,” Turner said. “Everyone should come out and support your block.”
The block with the best cheering section will be recognized at the awards ceremony. But Turner said they will receive something even more valuable – bragging rights for the year.
The holiday-themed parade is typically about 45 minutes long and has approximately 10 floats, representing local churches, elected officials, businesses, organizations, marching groups and a display of classic cars.
The new route isn’t the only “first” of the day – after the parade, the MBVFD will host its first annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast fund-raiser. This year all proceeds will go toward helping the town purchase new playground equipment for Ryckman Park.
The cost is $4 for kids under 12, and $8 for adults, and includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice in the fire station.
The parade is just one of the many ways the MBVFD celebrates the holidays. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, the annual Christmas tree lighting will take place, along with Pizza in the Park with Santa. And each year, the department does its Christmas Eve Santa stop, offering early delivery of presents at designated Santa stops on Christmas Eve for parents who drop off gifts at the station on either Dec. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., or Dec. 24 from noon to 4 p.m.
“Seeing the magic of Christmas in the kid’s eyes is amazing,” Turner said. “We live in such a community-centric town, it’s always great to see everyone come out and enjoy the holidays together.”
PARADE SCHEDULE
- 8:15 a.m.: Check-In for entries in the parade at Advent Lutheran Church (1805 Oak Street).
- 8:30 a.m.: All entrants that have checked in should report to the parade marshal for staging and further instructions.
- 9 a.m.: Parade begins in front of the Advent Lutheran Church and usually lasts for 45-60 minutes
- 10 a.m.: Presentation of trophies at the Community Center.
- 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station hosted by the MBVFD Inc.