Chilly temps can’t dampen spirits at Santa Parade
Annual event kicks off the holiday season
Most years when coach Mindi Priskey and members of the Mount Clemens Figure Skating Club march in the annual Mount Clemens Santa Claus Parade, the climate is similar to that of an ice rink.
But with Saturday morning’s temperatures hovering around 22 degrees with a wind chill of 3, Priskey said the skating conditions were a little more brisk than what they were used to.
“We’ve been doing this parade for 20 years and a lot of times it has been warmer than at the rink,” said Priskey.
As members of the skating team prepared to roller blade down South Main Street along with hockey players from the Mount Clemens Ice Arena, Priskey gave them all advice for keeping warm: just keep moving.
Autumn Pettigrew, Aamari Williams, Rita Vandenbossche and Alicia Crampton said they were glad they opted to participate in the parade as animal characters because the furry costumes were warm and cozy.
“We can’t really see that well with them, but at least we’re warm,” said Crampton, who was a parade participant for the first time this year.
“It’s not snowing and it’s not raining so I’m thankful for that,” said Vandenbossche, who was marching in the parade for the second time.
Even the dogs that accompanied their humans to the parade were bundled up against the elements. Sixyear-old American Staffordshire Terrier Bella was sporting her parka complete with a fur-trimmed hood. The friendly brindle pup, who was with her owner Zoe Ridley, appeared very excited to greet Santa and watch the parade.
In addition to Kris Kringle, the parade included eight marching bands, six cheer teams, several service organizations, floats, clowns and costumed characters.