Memories Old and New

Saturday we went to the Christmas Parade!

It has been many years since I have attended, due to illness or weather, but this year I finally made it.

The Ocala Christmas Parade is a long time tradition for many in the area, and has been going strong for 58 recorded years! The parade attracts 60,000 spectators who line up along a more than 2 mile stretch of East Silver Springs Blvd. People mark their spot for a week in advance with chairs, marking tape, trucks, trailers, and motor homes!

The parade starts with the Ocala Police Dept. Motorcycle Division.

Then followed by more of Ocala and Florida officers, fire dept, and EMT's.

I had totally forgotten about the vendors!

There are a variety of toys and noise makers for the children,  (I can't believe they still have the blow up Santa's! When did Sponge Bob become associated with Christmas???)  as well as cotton candy, hot dogs, cookies, and the many surrounding eateries getting a piece of the action.

For me, well....I HAD to have some Hot Boiled Peanuts!

It's a southern thing, and the very best way to eat peanuts. Did you know the process of boiling peanuts also draws antioxidants from the shells? The boiled peanuts have four times the antioxidants of raw or roasted peanuts. Yep! There was a study conducted by Alabama A & M University! It's true! And besides that, they are delicious!

I took a few pics of floats....

It really got dark quick after the parade started!

 But the main reason I went to the parade was because my little girl was in it!

Now....where is she?

I see her....but just barely.

It's dark, and these girls are fast!

Ah! There she is!!! In the red skort with the red scarf! She skated with her team, the Ocala Cannibals Roller Derby! These ladies are awesome!

The high school bands were amazing, and there were several, as Marion County is the largest county in Florida! The parade kindled memories of parades long ago when I was just a little girl.

We didn't stay to see Santa go by. We headed for my Trail Blazer and blazed a trail out of the area before the other 59, 997 people did!

I'm excited for next year, too! Hubby just may have his own float in the 2012 parade!

And I'm taking an extra camera battery!

Does your town do a Christmas Parade?

I'm making holiday treats today! YUMM-O!

Have a scrumptious day!
Del