Santa spread a little Christmas magic during the annual City of Sebastian Christmas Parade, where families gathered in clusters along Indian River Drive from Main Street to Riverview Park. This year, in addition to festive holiday garb, blinking lights and an assortment of ugly Christmas sweaters, parade-goers had some fun with colorful holiday masks.
While the parade had notably fewer floats and participants, what it lacked in length, the participants more than made up for in holiday spirit.
Spectators rose as the Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard paraded past, leading the charge toward better days. The Sebastian Police Department and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office traded in their walking shoes this year and instead showcased various official modes of transport, from a Humvee and a golf cart to an airboat and an ATV.
Light draped motorcycles, bicycles, antique cars, Sea Scouts aboard a skiff, local dignitaries, golf carts decked from tip to stern, and the Indian River Shores firetruck were amongst those spreading holiday cheer as they traveled the parade route.
Familiar characters interacted with the crowd, dancing to holiday music and handing out peppermint candies. Elves, Olaf from “Frozen,” the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” paraded past. Even the Griswold family from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” helped build anticipation as everyone waited for the guests of honor – Santa and Mrs. Claus – who closed the parade as they ‘flew’ by in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer.
Photos by: Kaila Jones
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