Sudsy Santa MIA from T-Falls tub
Photos by Sarah Leavenworth<br>Children from the Community Congregational Church flash angelic smiles to the crowd from the float - one of 49 entries in the Thompson Falls Christmas Parade. The girls (from left) are Megan Baxter, Grace Harnden and Jessie Wedel. The group from the church sang songs as the parade traveled down main street Wednesday.
Tenth annual Christmas parade includes 46 entries
Cold temperatures kept one of the Thompson Falls Christmas Parade's favorite squeaky clean characters from making an appearance Wednesday, but coordinator CoLene Marich said the event was the perfect precursor to the holidays.
"It was totally awesome," said Marich of the 10th annual parade, which included 46 entries.
"The people just outdid themselves."
Though the number of entries increased from 29 last year, Marich said one of the parade's most popular figures - Santa in a bathtub - was missing in action. Sudsy Santa - also known as Thompson Falls resident Steve Buck in longjohns and a red hat - was unable to attend last year's parade, and a boiler providing heat to Santa's tub broke this year before the parade.
Marich said Buck was understandably unwilling to brave the cold in unheated water, but plans to return to the parade next year.
The event was moved from Saturday to Wednesday this year, which Marich said allowed more church groups to participate. Though Marich said she is unable to estimate the attendance, she said it appeared that many people - some huddled in cars to escape the cold - took part in the festivities. Children could also be spotted taking in the parade and diving for candy tossed from floats.
The Knights of Columbus color guard led the procession, and Don Burrell served as the grand marshal. The Thompson Falls Quick Response Unit, city fire department and ambulance followed.
In addition to the floats, some individuals marched on foot, carrying signs and doling out candy and toys. Donald Gratz dressed up in a blood drop costume for the Red Cross, and Sweet Pea the Clown also made an appearance.
Students and staff members from Spring Creek Lodge Academy marched in the parade and served food and hot beverages to dozens of people later in the evening.