By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – Mother Nature decorated the parade route with an early snowfall, which didn’t deter attendees and parade participants from coming out in force to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to town.
Led by a Police and Fire department escort and a flag honor guard, followed by politicians, parade attendees were greeted by the Wyandotte Goodfellows, who were selling special edition newspapers for their annual holiday “no child without a Christmas” fundraiser.
Wyandotte’s Polish Roman Catholic Union of America Rogalin Dance Troupe performed down Biddle, followed by the Wyandotte Indians football players and cheerleaders, as well as the Grinch, who wasn’t stealing any Christmas cheer from the crowds.
Members of Wyandotte Cub Scout Pack 177 dressed as Christmas trees to brighten the parade route, followed by the Wyandotte Stars Vintage Base Ball Team.
Greater Gibraltar Cub Scout Pack 1234 filled a float with its members festooned as Christmas presents.
Festively costumed stilt-walkers traversed Biddle Avenue, followed by costumed wise men and angels from John Paul II Catholic School in Lincoln Park.
Rosie the Riveter re-enactors, wearing reindeer horns, had a real-life Rosie in an accompanying vehicle, Jean Zaranko, who riveted B-24 bombers at the Willow Run bomber plant during World War II.
Elsa and Anna from Frozen fame weren’t daunted by the weather as they accompanied Rotarians along the route, accompanied by Captain Rotary in full cape and costume.
BSA Troop 1795 of Southgate participated as well, followed by Riverview Cub Scout Pack 1659, who dressed up with holiday garlands and rode on a decorated float.
Members of the Drop-in Downriver Skate Park project savored the freedom of skateboarding and in-line skating down Biddle unfettered by traffic.
Non-profit Shelter to Home, an animal rescue group, was next, followed by the Downriver Dolls Roller Derby, characters from Zap Zone Fun Center, and Wyandotte Warriors hockey players.
Girl Scouts from Troop 70781 greeted parade attendees, followed by members of Southgate-based Downriver Gymnastics cartwheeling their way down Biddle, along with members of its affiliate, the Downriver Ninja Academy.
A group of remote-controlled model car enthusiasts were up next, followed by horseback riders and ponies, both of which drew excited attention along the parade route.
The West Middle School Marching Band from Taylor brought their musical talents to the parade, followed by Jeep enthusiasts, and the Downriver Panthers, a sports and recreation group for people with disabilities.
A few brave Shriner clowns in miniature motor cars and on minibikes braved the weather to entertain the appreciative crowds.
Cinderella and her prince rode in an enchanted pumpkin coach to herald the upcoming opening of the Downriver Actors Guild’s production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Cinderella,” followed by dancers from the Downriver Dance Academy, and then the Lincoln Park Dance Company.
The Wyandotte Marching Chiefs of Roosevelt High School led the way for Santa and Mrs. Claus with musical accompaniment.
The Jolly Old Elf, with wife and reindeer, was resplendent in red, waving to enthusiastic fans, officially bringing holiday cheer to downtown Wyandotte.
During the parade, many groups generously provided candy to parade attendees, likely matching many children’s recent Halloween candy haul.
For more information about upcoming holiday events in Wyandotte, see the city calendar at wyandotte.net/city_calendar/index.php.