Prince Frederick, MD – With the rain and fog of the previous day gone, a popular Calvert County Christmas season event was good to go. The glare of the sun, chilly temperatures and an occasional wind gust were the only deterrents to total enjoyment of the annual Christmas Parade sponsored by the Calvert Optimists and Calvert County Fair Board. The parade was held Sunday, Dec. 7 at Fox Run Shopping Center Prince Frederick.

Everything showcased at the 2014 parade, with the exception of the young Calvert High School (CHS) NJROTC marching unit, youth from the local 4-H, scout troops and church groups; had a vintage look and sound.

Several classic Christmas songs were performed in front of the Fox Run Boulevard reviewing stand by the CHS Marching Band, Rockin’ Elvis Jim Godbold and 2014 Calvert County Fair Idol Brandi Wightman.  

The CHS band played a medley of Christmas favorites, dedicating their performance in memory of fellow student sophomore Dalton Alan Ford of St. Leonard, who recently died after a struggle with cancer.

Rockin’ Elvis sang the King’s “Blue Christmas” and Wightman performed Darlene Love’s Yuletide hit “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home.”

Classic muscle cars, vehicles from the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department (Company 2) and Prince Frederick Rescue Squad (Company 4), the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. vehicle—with Sheriff Mike Evans riding shotgun—commercial vehicles, trucks from the Calvert County Department of Public Works, golf  carts and utility terrain vehicles all rolled past the reviewing stand during the one-hour parade.

The grand marshal for this year’s parade was longtime Optimist Club member Dickie Pitcher of Port Republic. Another Optimist and Calvert Fair Board member—former county commissioner Barbara Stinnett—emceed the event and kept the units rolling. The parade has a long history—several decades–and has had several different Prince Frederick venues prior to construction of the Fox Run Shopping Center. The event seems to have found a permanent home in Fox Run. 

There is one steadfast commandment that must be adhered by all entities participating in the event—there is only one Santa Claus in this parade. Ever the reliable, Santa closed the show, riding atop his sled, waving and wishing all a Merry Christmas.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com