Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade — 2016
It was so exciting doing the live broadcast with Mark Swalley on WABF 1220 AM. We were perched on the balcony at Page and Palette Bookstore, which was a great spot to watch. The pin on my hat is my husband’s grandmother’s Christmas bells.
There were over 50 groups and organizations that participated in the parade. Here are a few of the highlights, beginning with the Fairhope High School Buccaneer Band.
For the Christmas and Veteran’s Day parades, they march with the full, HUGE band, but for Mardi Gras Parades, they split up, so the students can get a break and actually attend a parade. I love seeing the full band, so I thought they looked and sounded extra good this night.
And here comes Lori Dubose, from WABF radio. Lori does so much for the community and serves as the voice of Fairhope and a wonderful source for local news.
Twirlers! Oh how beautiful they looked! This group went on and on. There were probably about 50-60 girls, total.
Dr. John Maddox got into the spirit with a Star Wars theme. There were several dentist participating in the parade, and I’ve often wondered about the connection between throwing candy to the crowd and cavities. Hmm. I think they mainly throw toothbrushes.
The station kept telling me to, “speak louder!” I felt like I was screaming by the time the noise from the parade came around. Mark was very helpful even though I felt frantic at times, trying to keep up with the list of participants and keeping an eye on the parade below. It takes great talent to talk this much, you know.
Snowflake girls! Oh, how I love this group. They look so all-American and Christmasy. Note to other groups: take a tip from this team and light your marchers from the front! We can see them so much better!
The Fairhope Youth Orchestra sounded wonderful. I mean, violins on a flatbed trailer . . . what could be better?
Well, perhaps the Baldwin County Pops on their flatbed trailer! (Notice the pug. I think he played piccolo).
Little darlin’s dressed as Southern Belles. Sigh . .
Many churches participated in the parade, and this is the “Scrooge” float from Fairhope United Methodist.
Being on the balcony, I had a bird’s eye view of Santa. I’m always reminded of the year my youngest son saw Santa coming and waved to him. When Santa passed by us, my son, who was about 4 years old said, “Santa rememborized me!”
After the parade, I went into The Book Cellar at Page and Palette and met one of my long-time readers, Beth and her husband Bill. It’s so hard for me to put names with faces, since I’ve never met most of my readers in person, but Beth recognized me and told me she and Bill just moved here from Wisconsin several months ago, and settled in Fairhope after reading my blog! How wonderful! They were so nice and loved their first Fairhope parade!
But now my rule goes into effect . . . in order to keep our small town small and cozy, for every nice person that moves here, we have to vote a grumpy one out. So two of you are on notice. We’ll take a peek at Santa’s “naughty” list for starters. Just hope I’m not on it!
Thanks to my husband for the photos!
Magical indeed! Love a Christmas parade and those “little darlin’s” are what’s it’s all about. Seeing the little ones light up with excitement is priceless. You look mighty cute in your Santa hat and I do hope you are not on Santa’s naughty list! Somehow I think you will be ok 🙂 Merry Merry Christmas Leslie Anne…………
Oh, thank you Emily, and a big Merry Christmas to you as well!
Leslie Anne– Thank you for taking me along on that festive Fairhope Christmas Parade; what FUN! I can almost hear the music as you describe the magical event!
By the way, that is a treasured pin on your Santa hat. What special Christmas bells, and what a special lady you are, Leslie Anne, to cherish this keepsake from your husband’s grandmother!
–And, I am also all for welcoming nice folks to my town, and voting out all those grumpy ones– Haha !!
Thanks Mary. I do love this Christmas pin. I think of “Mimi” every time I wear it!
Leslie Anne.. you look so darn cute in that Santa hat – you should wear it all year round. I bet you did great with your commentary. BTW… can’t remember if I told you, my husband saw your brother’s house and fell in love with it! Have a great week.
Robert’s house is mighty fine indeed, and the men-folk especially love it. As for the hat, now that you mention it, I could use it in the summer to hide my humidy-frizzed-out hair. I’d only have a small heat stroke!
And a great week back to you as well.
Loved our first parade. But the highlight was meeting & talking to you. You are as sweet & cute as I had imagined. Enjoyed meeting your husband too. We. love Fairhope!!
Oh, so very, very happy you spotted me! I love meeting my readers and am happy you are here. Can’t wait to run into you again!
oh my heart strings, small town life at its best! Those little Southern belles, sigh…so much fun!! You looked beautiful!
Thanks Jenna. Those little girls in the parade . . . cuties, every one!
OK, I’ll try to be on my best behavior from now on – I definitely do not want to be voted out of (this) town!
Vote you out? NEVER! When you arrived, we got rid of old Mr. Diffledorfer who threw satsumas at the kids.
You look gorgeous . What a fun way to spend an evening.
Thanks Flo. It was a magical night, for sure.
You on the Naughty List? Never! Not a better way to see a parade than through the eyes of a true Southern Belle who has the proper pinch of sass. I do love a parade and am happy I had a chance to see some of the highlights of Fairhope’s. I can completely understand the Wisconsin couple’s choice of new hometowns!
Mark and I had a ball, that’s for sure. I’m hoping I get invited back again sometime!