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November 27, 2009

Parade welcomes Santa to city in style

By Cara Spilsbury

At 1 p.m. on Sunday, pedestrians dominated on Route 125. Usually a hectic quagmire of cars, Main Stret was eerily empty.

Onlookers — some mitten-clad families with strollers, some neighbors with their dogs, some children clutching cotton candy or Santa balloons — turned to gaze across the Basiliere Bridge at the echo of sirens.

Next came the bright, flashing lights of a caravan of ambulances and fire trucks as the 45th annual VFW Santa Parade began.

More than two hours later, the biggest celebrity of the day traveled triumphantly down Main Street. Although most of the crowd started to feel the afternoon chill in the air, Santa's arrival and jolly "ho-ho-ho" brought a warm feeling.

Before Santa's arrival, there was a variety of visually and musically appealing acts parading down Route 125, including dancers, baseball and softball players, local and state politicians, marching bands, antique cars and cheerleaders.

One of the most popular aspects of the parade was the walking tribute to the armed forces. When the veterans, color guard and ROTC members came through, the crowd erupted in applause.

The Hallamore Clydesdale horses, standing tall before crowd with their perfectly manicured manes and regal presence, brought gasps from viewers of all ages.

Fox 25 news anchor Maria Stephanos of Groveland returned the waves of fans from one end of the parade route to the other.

The Trilby String Band, a Mummers Parade band from Philadelphia, impressed the crowd with its upbeat tunes and tight sound, not to mention their flamboyant pink and blue costumes.

Dancers from Nancy Chippendale's studio in North Andover resembled the famous Rockettes as they danced a Christmas number in character heels, tights, red leotards, curvy Santa jackets and white fluffy caps. They even performed a kick line.

The biggest marching band to take part in the parade was from Londonderry High School, its formation spanning almost from one sidewalk to the next.

With so many performers and floats taking part in this year's parade, it was hard for revelers to pin down one thing, aside from the famous Mr. Claus, that they enjoyed above all else.

"I love the bagpipes," said Donna Malinowski of Groveland. "Those are my favorite. And the band from Philadelphia was great."

"I think the city does an excellent job," said Brian Gaeto of North Reading. "We came two years ago and really enjoyed it."

His daughter Cassidy, 10, had trouble picking out one aspect of the parade she liked best.

"I loved everything," she said.

Haverhill residents Kim and Tim Nagle watched the parade near Central Plaza with their children Anya and T.J. and loved the experience, especially the intricate floats.

"This is our second time coming and I think it's great," said Kim. "It's great how it brings all the different towns in."

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