Street Parade Filled with Holiday Spirit

Beginning early last week, the posts over social media were questioning why the caution tape was appearing up and down San Marco Road. As the week progressed the sides of San Marco Road continued to fill in as chairs were placed all along the route as residents prepared for a Saturday evening full of fun and merriment. A similar phenomenon occurs in Fort Myers along the routes for their Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

The Marco Island parade committee begins the set-up of the staging area early on Saturday morning, carefully measuring each space according to the applications that had been submitted over the last year. Greg Schneider, along with Barbra Dasti, carefully lays out the logistics of the staging for the streets that intersect with Balfour Drive to ensure everyone has the necessary room for their entries while encouraging them to follow the instructions for the event. Without them, it would be an impossible task.

“This would be the largest parade yet with 70 entries, and the committee would have to add one additional street for staging of it,” said Christmas Island Style Volunteer Committee Vice Chair Greg Schneider. “We are very appreciative of the patience and welcoming spirit of those homeowners for the two hours we share their front yards as we line up the parade.”

Last Saturday’s event left no one disappointed. The excitement grew with each passing moment as the crowds awaited the official kick-off 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 festively dressed “top cop” Police Chief Tracy Frazzano, who entertained and greeted young and old alike along the route.

A Christmas Sled that was custom built by the late local contractor Tom Phillips was donated to Christmas Island Style and each year is pulled in the parade behind the local recreational motorcyclists who jokingly refer to themselves as a 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 generous donations, as well as in the rear of the SUV pulling it. Those gifts are donated to a local charity.

The parade route over the years has morphed into one of the longest tailgate parties in Southwest Florida as participants enjoy the over one-hour procession of various floats and marching groups.

The highlight of the evening was when Santa and Mrs. Claus passed by, perched up in the bucket of the Fire/Rescue Department’s 85-foot Tower Ladder, delighting children and children at heart.

The parade judges, who were located near the Sunshine Ace Hardware, agreed this was the most difficult parade to judge because of the quality of the entries.