By Jim Bloch
The St. Clair Lighted Santa Parade will light up North Riverside Avenue on the Friday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 22.
“We’re going to be well over 40 (units),” said Sue Daniels, who chairs the Santa Committee, speaking to Paul Dingeman on his Focus Show, broadcast on CTV-Channel 6.
A record 43 units marched in the 2023 edition of the parade.
The parade participants lineup on Vine Street near Immanuel Lutheran Church and march east toward North Riverside Avenue/M-29, where the procession turns south and flows in front of Riverview Plaza before ending at Jay Street.
The parade starts at 6 p.m.
“The St. Clair Inn just jumped in – a lot of businesses,” said Daniels. “LaFontaine, Magna, St. Clair Landscape and Irrigation. We have Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Pine River Elementary School.”
The Marching Saints of St. Clair High School will march in the parade ahead of their appearance in America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit on Thanksgiving.
Santa Claus arrives in the parade’s last float.
“I’m looking forward to the Lighted Santa Parade on the 22nd in St. Clair,” said Claus in a recorded message broadcast on the show. “And guess what? Santa’s going to bring a couple reindeer in training. They’re going to be there for you to see. I know all the kids have been behaving this year, so I’m looking forward to bringing them toys and presents. We’ve been building lots of toys and the elves are working around the clock. Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas.”
The lighting of the city’s holiday tree in Palmer Park, which borders the St. Clair River, follows immediately after the parade. Mayor Bill Cedar typically gives Santa the key to the city and leads the crowd in singing Christmas carols. Santa then makes his way to the courtyard of the plaza to greet children.
The Santa Committee gives awards for the best non-profit entry, the best commercial entry and a grand prize to the best overall unit.
Last year, the St. Clair Garden Club won first place and a plaque in the non-commercial category, D.J. Mike Shafer won first place in the commercial category, and the grand prize winner was Pine River Elementary.
“We do it for the kids,” said Daniels. “It’s all for the kids.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
