Christmas Spirit on Parade

Preparations for the Christmas Parade on Marco Island don’t just begin on the Saturday morning of the parade, but instead almost four days before the actual parade itself, as those coming to enjoy the event begin staking out their seating arrangements along the parade route early in the week. A newcomer on the island recently posted a question on social media inquiring why all these beach chairs were placed along San Marco Road which drew a number of chuckles and funny responses.

Saturday’s event left no one disappointed as the excitement grew and as every moment passed; the crowds awaited the official kickoff when the Marco Police Department Color Guard led the parade to the applause and cheers of onlookers as they stepped off sharply at 6:30 PM. They were followed by Police Chief Tracy Frazzano who would march the entire length of the route greeting young and old to the delight of the crowds.

The parade committee began the setup of the staging area early on Saturday morning, carefully measuring each space according to the applications which had been submitted over the last two months. Greg Schneider, along with Barbra Dasti, carefully laid out the logistics of the staging for the streets which intersect with Balfour Drive to ensure everyone has the necessary room for their entries, while encouraging them to follow the instructions for the event.

A Christmas Sled, which was custom built by the late local contractor Tom Phillips, was donated to Christmas Island Style and each year it is pulled in a parade which sees local recreational motorcyclists who jokingly refer to themselves as the local chapter of “Sons of Arthritis.” Each year they bring a toy as a donation. Adults and children place gifts in the sled as it passes by their location in the spirit of the season. This year was no exception, and the sleigh was overflowing with the generous donations, as well as in the rear of the SUV pulling it.

Bands from Lely, the Marco Island Charter Middle School as well as Golden Gate would fill the air with music as they proceeded down the San Marco Road parade route to the delight of all. In addition to music, the air was filled with the smells of delicious offerings along the route leading to the judges' stand near the Ace Hardware towards the end of the parade.

With over 60 entries this year the parade would stretch out along the one-mile route which saw those along the street shouting out to friends and neighbors who marched the San Marco Route.

Best Overall in Parade – Business – Paradise Cycle Cruises

Best Overall in Parade – Individual/Organization – Marco Island Newcomers Club

Best Holiday Spirit – Marco Presbyterian Church

Best Holiday Traditional – San Marco Knights of Columbus

Most Original – United States Submarine Veterans – Naples Base

Most Entertaining – Sunshine Sisters

Most Original featuring Children – Mermaid Tails Dance

Best Lighting Display – Marco Island Sportfishing Club

Best Overall Band – Marco Island Charter Middle School

Best Marching Band – Lely Trojans Marching Band

Most Patriotic – Marco Patriots

Fruitcake Award (Most Humorous Display) – ARABA Shrine