One of many long standing traditions in our mountain community is the annual Blue Jay Christmas Parade.  Our boys were excited, as always, to be participating, and this year had the distinguished honor to be Santa's personal escort as he rode in a vintage fire truck.

2003 Blue Jay Christmas Parade
As is so often the case, the day started with alternating periods of "hurry up" and "wait".  It almost drove the poor boys nuts, but they occupied their time with trying to keep their hands warm and watching the occasional balloon escape and drift lazily into the gray winter sky.
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Once the parade got under-way, everyone was much happier, marching proudly, showing off their uniforms, and yelling an occasional cadence.  Santa, perched atop his fire truck, waved to the crowds from the middle of the escort we provided.

Below are pictures of many groups that participated in the parade.  Forgive me if they are out of order.  Being at the back of the parade, we didn't get to see much of it ourselves.

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After the parade the boys all enjoyed home made cookies, cider, and coco in warmth of Coldwell Banker's conference room (thank you Mr. Sanderson) and took a few minutes to whisper their last minute Christmas wishes to Santa.
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Thank you Santa, for spending so much quality time with our Scouts...
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...and thanks to all the mountain residents and visitors that make this such a wonderful event every year!!!
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