MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. --
A parade in honor of the holiday season was held
in downtown Beaufort Dec 6. Local residents and service members attended to
celebrate upcoming winter festivities.
The parade consisted of Christmas themed floats,
local businesses and private vehicles driven by Beaufort residents. The Marine
Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Band led the way with holiday tunes and
classic American standards.
“I love this
time of year” said Vanesa Saunders, a hairdresser from Beaufort. “It is so
exciting to bring my family and see all the floats. It really gets us ready for
Christmas.”
Viewers of the procession lined the streets as the
parade headed down town. Some wore holiday themed costumes to celebrate the
season. Children passed out candy and Christmas cards as they walked down the
street.
“All the parades we have
here are great,” said Saunders, originally from North Carolina. “This is such a
fun place to live.”
The town of Beaufort
sponsors many parades and festivals throughout the year, including the Shrimp
and Waterfront festivals as well as a Veterans Day parade.
The Christmas parade is one of the numerous
celebrations and events that have occurred throughout the area to celebrate the
holidays. The Night on the Town event, Dec. 4, featured food and live
entertainment at Beaufort Waterfront Park. There was a Christmas tree lighting
ceremony for residents of Laurel Bay housing community Dec. 3.
“The Marines in this town are great,” said Curtis
Merlino, a Beaufort resident. “There is so much support within the community
for the military and it is great to see them out here celebrating with us.”
In addition to the Parris Island band’s
performance, many service members from the Tri-command were present to show
their support and get into the holiday spirit.
As the parade drew to a close, Santa Clause
himself appeared riding a Beaufort Fire Department truck and waving to his many
admirers.
“That’s when you know it’s really Christmas,” said
Saunders. “When Santa shows up and all the kids go nuts.”