By Jim Bloch
The city of St. Clair recently recognized the three winners of the annual Lighted Santa Parade float competition.
Sue Daniels, who heads the parade committee, was joined by Santa Claus at the regular meeting of the city council Nov. 20 to hand out the plaques to the winners.
Daniels thanked the departments of the city and the members of the chamber of commerce for contributing to the success of the parade, held Nov. 17.
“We can’t do it without the help of everybody,” said Daniels, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on YouTube.
She also thanked the citizens who volunteered to stage the procession.
“Especially the ones up at the beginning,” said Daniels. “They work their tails off to get this thing lined up and going and I really appreciate them donating their time.”
Forty-six units marched in the 2023, an all-time high. The parade launched in 2009.
“That made the judges job a lot harder to decide on the winners,” Daniels said, just before introducing Santa. “As you can see, I invited a very special guest here tonight to hand out the awards. He’s made a special trip from the North Pole to be with us.”
The St. Clair Garden Club won first place and a plaque in the non-commercial category for what Daniels called “those wonderful trees.”
D.J. Mike Shafer won first place in the commercial category.
“And now the Grand Sweepstakes winner — Pine River Elementary School,” said Daniels.
All of the winners joined Daniels and Claus at the podium for photos.
Pine River Elementary will have its name engraved on a plaque, complements of Coughlin Jewelers, that is displayed in city hall.
“We want to congratulate all of the winners and thank you for having us here tonight,” said Daniels. “Have a merry and joyous Christmas season.”
The council and audience applauded Daniels, Santa and the winners.
“First class,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mike LaPorte, filling in for the absent Mayor Bill Cedar.
“Very nice,” said City Clerk Annette Sturdy.
City Superintendent Quentin Bishop thanked the police department.
“The crowd control this year was fantastic,” said council member Kris Paul, who owns War Water Brewery, which again had its flying Santa sleigh in the parade.
Council member Micah Volz, who directs the Marching Saints of St. Clair High School, the parade’s most popular unit, said that the crowd was breathing in faces of the musicians two years ago. “It’s remarkable the difference,” Volz said, thanking the SCPD, DPW and the St. Clair Public Safety Volunteer Program for its control of the spectators. “Well done.”
Police Chief Tim Raker said the department would incorporate lessons from this parade into next year’s event and do an even better job.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
