Dry weather helps city's holiday parade

Low temperatures and gray skies threatened the annual Watertown holiday parade0 Sunday, but the firetrucks, floats and Santa Claus all got down Washington Street before any drops or flakes flew.

Parade Chairman Stanley E. Zaremba said this year's event ranks with the best of the holiday parades that he has organized. That was in no small part due to the weather.

"The weather really cooperated this year; it didn't rain or snow, and I think a lot of people came out because of that," said Mr. Zaremba, of Army & Navy American Legion Post 61.

The parade started at Watertown High School and made its way down Washington Street, ending at the Stone Street intersection downtown.

A Halloween classic got a Christmas twist when the Grinch led a group of dancing elves to Michael Jackson's "Thriller." The Watertown Red & Black, area school vocal groups and Cub Scout troops paraded past, waving to kids and throwing candy.

Jodi L. Gilfillan, Dexter, took her two daughters and their two friends to see the parade, and said it was fun for children and parents alike.

"I like to see all of the decorations, and it's great to see so many people from the area out in one place together," Mrs. Gilfillan said.

Daughter Julia C., 9, said she was most excited "for candy and to see Santa."

Gilfillan family friends Cierra I. Maring, 9, and Kylee B. Rosbrook, 10, both said they were excited to see the decorations on the floats, to get candy and to see Santa Claus, but it was when Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham walked by with his dog that the girls' eyes lit up. Both girls want a puppy for Christmas, they said.

The parade ended with Santa Claus, who waved to the crowd from the back of an engine from Sackets Harbor Fire Company's Station 2, Sulphur Springs. Youngsters waved back and yelled, "Merry Christmas, Santa!" before heading home.

Mr. Zaremba said he was pleased with the variety of floats this year, and with the turnout for the parade.

"When I was at upper Washington Street earlier, the kids kept coming and coming from side streets," Mr. Zaremba said. "It's good to see."