Downriver welcomes Santa with annual holiday parade

 

By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers

WYANDOTTE – Santa and Mrs. Claus appeared in their reindeer-powered sleigh Nov. 18 during the city’s annual holiday parade, with the music of the Wyandotte Roosevelt Marching Chiefs heralding their arrival.

A police color guard led the parade, followed by a city fire truck with a banner promoting the Goodfellows “No Child Without a Christmas” campaign. Several City Council members walked the route along Biddle, as did U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and state Rep. Cara Clemente (D-Lincoln Park).

Bob Groat, of Groat Brothers Towing and Repair, served as the parade Grand Marshal, riding in a horse-drawn carriage, followed by the Rogalin Dance Troupe, who performed along the route in colorful Polish costumes.

Boy and Girl Scouts joined the parade with colorful floats, while the city’s old-fashioned Base Ball team, Y&*, walked the route in uniforms topped by Santa caps.

The Knights of Columbus honor guard carried the colors, and Shelter to Home volunteers walked or carried adoptable dogs, followed by costumed Rosie the Riveters, who are working to preserve the historical Willow Run bomber plant.

Students from Downriver Gymnastics showed their skill by cart-wheeling and flipping along Biddle, followed by the Downriver Roller Dolls roller derby team gliding gracefully on inline skates.

Taylor’s West Middle School Marching Band played, and the Downriver Actors Guild promoted its upcoming performances of the musical “Annie.”

Throughout the parade route, children scampered after the candy offered by parade participants. The temperatures were in the upper 40s, much warmer than the bone chilling 2016 parade temperatures, and encouraging a good turnout along the route.

(Sue Suchyta can be reached at [email protected].)