BLADENSBURG — Despite the cloudy day, the rain held off during the Bladensburg 38th Annual Christmas Parade, and the town was crowded with spectators of all ages. Children filled the streets as they reached for candy passed out by parade participants. With the parade theme “Inside Santa’s Workshop,” many participants showed their creativity by dressing as elves and putting on Santa hats, and decorating with large gifts and other festive holiday attire.
“It turned out really wonderful,” said organizer Crystal Gallwitz. “The weather was great, no rain, no snow. It was awesome.”
People from all over the county — as well as outside the county — participated.
“There were fire departments from Licking County and there were entries I know that came from Newark, and Coshocton County,” said Gallwitz.
Utica Fire Department, Homer Grass 471, Newark Military Humvee and Mary Ann Township Medic 698 were among the participants, as were East Knox Auxiliary Creations; twirlers, flags and poms were also part of the parade.
Compared to last year’s parade, when it rained the entire parade, the number of entries this year was about the same, she said.
This year’s parade had over 50 entries and several different categories in which participants could enter. East Knox Marching Band won Best Walking Entry, Bladensburg Post Office received Best Merchant Entry, Utica Fire Department truck 463 won Best Fire Entry, 50 Model Ford Pickup won Best Antique Car/Truck Entry, Bladensburg Rental won Most Original Entry with their depiction of “Toyland Express.”
Bladensburg Church of Christ received Best Church Entry, Cub Scout Pack 344 won Best Civic Entry for its creativity of “Welcome to Santa’s Workshop,” 1957 Farmall 1 H & 350/450 won Best Antique Tractor, Perry Chapel Baptist Church received Best of Show, and the Knox County Horse Park won Best Animal Entry.
Last but not least, the most anticipated entry of them all was Santa Claus, who was without his reindeer but was happily escorted by the Bladensburg Fire Department. Children eagerly awaited his arrival and when the parade was finished, he listened to each request made by the youths.
