There was perfect parade weather Sunday afternoon, Dec. 1 as the annual Christmas parade sponsored by the Calvert Optimist Club was held at Fox Run Shopping Center in Prince Frederick.
Several generations have enjoyed the county’s Yuletide promenade and the 2013 edition featured quite a variety. The line included marching Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets and sheriff’s deputies, classic cars, Scouts, mascots and vehicles from three responder companies—the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department, the Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department. Ceremony announcer Barbara Stinnett was quick to remind parade spectators that the responders rendered their services to county residents free of charge.
Also in the long line were floats sponsored by 4-H groups, area churches and local businesses. Several area schools combined to march and perform several Christmas classes for the throng. There was even an equestrian group.
Candy was tossed in the air, with many pieces falling to the pavement, only to be crushed by wheels and marching feet.
The grand marshal for the 2013 parade was Candace D’Agostino, the coordinator of Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA). She rode in the new Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) vehicle. D’Agostino was filling in for the original grand marshal, DARE officer Sgt. Mike Bomgardner, who was out of the county on law enforcement business.
Three political candidates and their campaign workers also joined the parade and passed out candy. The 2013 Calvert County Fair Court marched the route, waving regally as they went along.
The always-anticipated appearance of Rockin’ Elvis—this year a more svelte Jim Godbold—featured The King riding in a convertible and singing in front of the grandstand.
As he always does, Santa Claus closed the event, riding past the Fox Run stores, waving to the crowd.
An independent videographer captured the parade festivities with his cameras, with an aim to have the event replayed on local cable television.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@theb
