Annual march down Main Street unofficially kicks off Christmas season
Santa Claus knows there is nothing like perfect weather to make for a perfect parade.
Those who lined Main Street last December and attended this year’s parade, reveled in this year’s sunshine, over last year’s driving rain, biting wind and fog
“It’s nice to be seen this year,” said Allen Dearth on Saturday. “Last year was awful.”
Last year, Santa Claus was a wraith lost in the thick fog and rain.
Even wife Marti, agreed. “That was the worst weather I’ve ever seen for a parade here.”
What a difference a year makes.
Under blue skies and sunshine, the Highlands 2019 Olde Mountain Christmas Parade marched down Main Street featuring marching bands from Franklin and Rosman High Schools, the Cashiers Glenville Fire Academy cadets from Blue Ridge Early College, the Little Smoky Mountain Conference first place Highlands Lady Highlanders basketball team, and even giant sharks from the Highlands Hurricanes swim team.
Everything that went wrong with last year’s parade went right this year.
Margie Winston, visiting family here from Knoxville, Tennessee said this was a perfect day for a parade.
“The weather was wonderful,” she said. “Warm sunshine. Blue skies. No rain. Just a perfect day.”
The hour-long parade saw about 48 entries, spread about business and civic groups, area schools, churches… and camels.
Yes, camels.
Babek, one of three camels featured in this year’s parade, is the latest edition to the lineup having replaced longtime and beloved parade icon, Omar, who passed away in 2018 after marching in 13 parades.
Kaye McHan, executive director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce said Saturday’s parade was a great event from start to finish.
“Highlands 2019 Olde Mountain Christmas Parade was magical, with perfect weather, lots of music and an abundance of good cheer,” McHan said. “The Chamber takes great pleasure in providing community events throughout the year that give a sense of enjoyment, relaxation and offers an opportunity to bond with friends and family.”
Following the conclusion of the parade, many spectators convened on the Highlands Episcopal Church of the Incarnation for its annual barbecue lunch.
Marty Rosenfield, who prepares the boxed barbecue lunches for parade guests said this year’s barbecue sold out with 350 box lunches.
“We sold tickets to cut off boxes at 350, but we made 370 lunches,” he said.