A LITTLE HISTORY OF PARADE FLOATS
During the 14th and 15th centuries in Europe, the church mounted elaborate “passion plays” to reinforce the importance of worship by depicting theatrical scenes about the life and death of Jesus. In order to reach as many people as possible, these productions were taken on the road in large wagons. Curiosity seekers would turn out along the route to catch a glimpse of the sets, actors, and props. The clergy quickly determined that the caravans could be a show in themselves and began scheduling short stops along the way to deliver “teasers” in which actors would strike a pose, freeze for a few minutes, before going back to whatever they were doing.
PARADE HISTORY FROM THE ROMAN ERA
Parades are a direct descendant of late Medieval and Renaissance revivals of Roman Triumphs, which had music and banners, wagons filled with spoils of war, and climaxed with the dux riding in a chariot, preferably drawn by two horses, thus called a biga. (A guadriga such as surmounts the Brandenburg Gate is drawn by four horses.) Similarly, the climax of a Santa Claus parade is often Santa , in his sleigh, drawn by eight reindeer (an octigia). Roman Triumphs were themselves consciously modeled on ceremonies honoring gods, and Santa Claus himself is the descendant of Saint Nicholas. The Santa Claus parade directly corresponds to the modern triumphal entry of Santa Claus.
SANTA CLAUS PARADES
Santa Claus parades or Christmas pageants are parades held to celebrate the official opening of the Christmas season with the arrival of Santa Claus. Theme floats, dancing or marching groups, and bands playing Christmas songs are often included in the parade. These are really moving pageants that bring people and communities together to share the joy of the Christmas season.
CHRISTMAS PARADES
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Golf Cart Parade
Join your friends and neighbors for fun and fellowship, *Christmas carols * Elvis * A visit from Santa on the Fire Truck *Dancers *Refreshments and Good Cheer as Calabash lights up the holidays!
Calabash, N.C.
6pm 11.30.2012
(Line up at 5:15 on Carter Drive)
Callahan’s Parking Lot, 9973 Beach Drive S.W.
910 – 579 – 6747 Ext. 5; E-mail tccalabash@atmc.net
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
12.07.2012 at McLean Park, 93 Oak Drive…6pm
*Holiday Songs *Dancers * Visits with Santa
*Lighting of the tree with almost 3,000 lights!
Info: Tree Lighting at 843-280-5570 www.nmbevents.com
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
12.08.2012 5:30 pm – 7pm
Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
*Holiday Songs * Colorful Floats *Marching Bands *Beauty Queens
Info: 843–361- 3045 Or www.nmbevents.com
Surfside Christmas Parade
12.08.2012
2pm Ocean Boulevard, Surfside beach
843-650-9548
Myrtle Beach Holiday Parade @ Broadway at the Beach
12.01.2012
Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach
Info: 444-3200, 800-386-4662 Or
Fireworks at Broadway at the Beach: Dec. 1 , 15, 31
Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade
Dec. 2 … Starts at 3pm at Wilcox Ave. and marches down U.S. 17 Business.
Immediately following the parade, meet at Morse Landing Park with Santa and Mrs. Claus for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Choirs will entertain the crowd!
Info: 843-357-2007
SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENTS
NIGHTS OF A THOUSAND CANDLES
Brookgreen Gardens
Dec. 7 & 8 Dec. 14 & 15 Dec. 20 – 22 … 3pm-10pm
Annual Holiday Lights Display * World renowned American figurative sculpture collection * Special seasonal decorations displays….Nightly music and theatrical performances!
Looking for a unique experience for Christmas?
Brookgreen Gardens hosts a “Nights of a Thousand Candles”… Magical Wonderland” where 5,500 hand lit candles adorn the grounds and fountains of the garden museum. Ten separate and unique garden areas are magically alight with candle-glow!
Musical performances are conducted throughout the gardens, provided by: * Local Choral Ensemblies *Hand Bell Choirs * Jazz Groups playing classical and holiday favorites
*A variety of musicians are strolling through the lighted paths!
Adult admission $13 till 11,30,2012 and $16 after that date. Children 4 – 12 is $7:00 Children under that age are Free! Special rates for groups of 15 or more . Info : 843-235-6021 Or www.brookgreen.org
CHRISTMAS TRAIN SHOW
Grissettown Longwood Fire & Rescue
758 Longwood Rd. , Ocean isle Beach, NC 28469 or Call 287-3030
Dec. 7th 2012…6pm – 9pm
Dec. 8th 2012…10am – 4pm
Dec. 9th 2012…10am – 4pm
*Train *Vendors *Baked Goods *Santa Claus *Train Layouts *Train Raffle
Spectacular Event!
Three of Brunswick Plantation’s own displaying their Private Collections!
Model Train Gauges G, O, HO, N,and Z
3 Interactive Train Layouts designed for Children to operate
to inspire their interest of trains as a hobby!
Free Admission/Donations Welcome
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas.”: Laura Ingles Wilder
If you could be a child again this Christmas, what special memory would you like to relive?
Check out my blog next week to find out more on the enchantment of “Trains for All Ages” !
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Parade at Calabash Friday looks like so much Fun! I’ve also been told it was so Touching that it brings tears to your eyes! Great Community Celebration!