After a disappointing Christmas Parade in 2023 without the young musicians and JROTC cadets from North Fort Myers High School because of the clubhouse being remediated for mold, the kids were back and what a triumphant return they made! The energy and enthusiasm that only teenagers have in such abundance was evidenced on a beautiful night in December in Sabal
Springs as they proudly marched and entertained the residents and their guests with their music and chants. These kids are supported by their families who showed up in large enough numbers this year to create a bit of a parking issue prior to the start of the parade. What a great problem to have…parents proud of their children and participating in their activities by following them as they travel to their events. We had five busloads of kids between the band members and JROTC all of whom were served hot dogs, potato chips, and tons of cookies prepared by the ladies of Sabal Springs.
There were antique cars and a dandy looking pick-up truck. The Cape Coral Corvette Club had seven beautiful vehicles in the parade. All you need for a great parade is a fire truck, Sheriff’s Department vehicles, decorated golf carts, a great band, marching future military leaders, and Santa Claus and we had all of that on the night of December 7.
The Grand Marshals this year were Dave and Deb Collins whose flamingo inspired golf cart won third place in the golf cart competition. Second place went to Bernie and Mary Zitek with a cart designed to depict a beautifully wrapped Christmas present for under the tree. First place was awarded to Dave Worthington and Terri Carpenter with a traditional Christmas theme. Terri remarked that she was overwhelmed because the Nutcrackers on the rear of the cart belonged to her parents originally. Congratulations to the winners, who were judged by the North Fort Myers firemen and two Sheriff’s department deputies. The winners received gift certificates to The Lake House. Thanks to Tom Watson for providing the prizes as well as donating the 300 hot dogs to feed the kids. Thank you also to Duane and Sandy Klepper for their portrayal of Santa and Mrs. Claus this year.
Special thanks to Donna Ireland and her crew of volunteers to get the band members and the JROTC fed. Thanks to the ladies of Sabal Springs for baking endless amounts of cookies for those same kids and shut-ins throughout the community. Thanks to Mike Glean for entertaining us after the parade for tips only. Thanks to Sid & Yvonne Cegelski for acting as our elves dressed as M&Ms to collect donations from the folks along the parade route.
A big thank you to the residents for your donations again this year for the North Fort Myers High School music department and the JROTC. Donations were tallied and a total of $3,877 was presented to the North Fort Myers High School music department at their Christmas concert on Friday evening, December 13, and a presentation of $1,240 was made to the JROTC at the high school on Monday, December 16. Both organizations were extremely appreciative of the donations to their respective causes. There were cheers, whistles and applause by the kids, their families and their leaders. We will report in February 2025 the total collected.
