In our house this is no ordinary parade, it is a family tradition. It began almost 20 years ago with our son Brantley (a special needs child) who would quietly stand and watch the entourage of the parade pass by. A few years later, Brantley was joined by his little sister Katie. It is a joyous time to walk along Bahama Road shouting "Merry Christmas" to friends (several generations gather) and searching for the perfect spot to watch the parade. Being at the Parade gives you the TRUE SPIRIT OF BEING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! One year when both children were sick and unable to attend, they both CRIED and said "CHRISTMAS WON'T COME WITHOUT THE PARADE"! Many years have passed and my children are almost grown, but the tradition remains. Katie's friends who have never seen the Parade, spend the night, we rise early to cook a big Breakfast and head out by 9 am to ensure a good spot-we started out with 1-2 friends, it has now grown to 10-12! Some friends are new to the Parade, but most have been coming for years because they say its not Christmas until you have been to the Bahama Parade! As Brantley has grown, so too has his excitement for the Parade, he shouts "Merry Christmas" to EVERYONE, tries to collect all the candy he can that the parade participants toss to the crowds, he dances in the streets with the Shriner's Hillbilly Granny's, gives High 5's to the guys and blows kisses to the girls in the parade as they pass by-but the most exciting part of the Parade for Brantley is seeing SANTA! The most exciting part for me-seeing the JOY in my Children's faces year after year!
Note: If you missed this years Parade you can always plan for next year-it is always the Saturday before Christmas. It starts at 10 am, but be there by 9 in order to get a good parking space-or you will be walking a long way! Bring your lawn chairs, blanket, thermos of coffee or cocoa, a bag to collect candy and enjoy the spirit of Christmas among family and friends.
~Kay
*Please check out our photo gallery on the right side of the blog page for more pictures.
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