Annual Christmas Parade was wet and soggy but still a hit ….WITH SLIDE SHOW

The annual Hatteras Village Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 11, was wet and soggy and foggy and cold.

However, people still lined the parade route, and their spirits were high.  Most stayed in their vehicles until the parade was in sight and then gamely got out and watched in their rain slickers, some with umbrellas and fishing boots.  Youngsters waded in puddles to retrieve candy and treats thrown from the floats.

And almost all of the floats and other parade participants gamely showed up to march in the steady light rain that was falling in temperatures in the upper 40s.

At least there was no wind this year.

This year’s parade had about a dozen or so floats, along with other marchers on foot and on horseback and in golf carts, boats, and trucks.

The major casualties were the three scheduled marching bands – from Cape Hatteras, Manteo, and First Flight high schools.  They dropped out to avoid water damage to their musical instruments.

This year’s parade was led by newly elected Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie. There were floats from several area businesses and organizations, including Girl Scout troops, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, Kitty Hawk Kites, Creative Ballance salon, Hands of Love, and Sun Realty.

Many of those who were costumed and riding on the floats were protected from the wet day by large beach umbrellas.  And, as might be expected, many of the floats had beach and marine themes.

All of the island volunteer fire departments were represented in their trucks that were decked out for the occasion with ribbons, bows, and wreaths.  As always, Santa brought up the rear of the parade on the Hatteras Village Volunteer Fire Department truck.

The Cape Hatteras Elementary School Activity Bus was the “Magical School Bus” for the afternoon and was filled with cheering students.

The Cape Hatteras Electric Company sent two bucket trucks, also decorated for the season.  The Hatteras Island Rescue Squad brought trucks and a boat.  And the U.S. Coast Guard pulled one of its boats.

Sirens and lots of honking from the various trucks kept the parade lively – even without the bands.

Islanders also rode their horses, which were dressed up with bows and ribbons, and others rode in various vehicles from golf carts to bikes.

Alex Hodges, nurse practitioner with Hatteras Island Family Medicine, drove a fancy little vehicle and wished the crowd a “shot” of good cheer – and free flu shots.

After the parade, which is sponsored by the Hatteras Village Civic Association, a crowd gathered at the Civic Center for cookies, hot cocoa, and the awarding of prizes.

Three floats won the top $250 awards.  They were:

Most comical — The Dune Billy Queens of Creative Ballance salon.

Most creative – Sun Realty with its “Christmas in Paradise” float.

Most community spirited – The Cape Hatteras Anglers Club with its beach access theme.

Three $50 prizes were awarded to youngsters who participated.  They went to the GO FAR running group, Girl Scout Troop 4175, and the Magical School Bus.

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