Yesterday the Annual Holiday parade started at Truman and White at 7pm. We were on Truman near the top having enjoyed a glass of punch and some tasty hors d0uvres at the annual Christmas party that Les throws for clients and friends of Poco Pelo Chic. Many businesses along Truman threw their doors open and served food and set up seating on the street to enable friends and passersby to watch the parade in comfort. A warm and fuzzy feeling was in the air.
This parade was decidedly 20th century – first half! It was wonky and very accessible. You really felt like you were participating. When someone in the float looked like they were waving at you, they really were!
Les & Greg in winter white. To contact Les Steele at Poco Pelo Chic, click on image.
I must say that we were a very well coiffed group! Even the men didn’t dare show up dishevelled.
According to Rhianna, Les put this look together in 15 minutes!
After a little mingling, everyone grabbed a seat that Les arranged outside his shop to watch the parade.
The parade traveled down Truman to Duval and onto Caroline Street. There were around 50 entries ending with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
I have never seen this many children in Key West. They were everywhere, paying rapt attention to the bright floats, the music, but mostly waiting for the candy. Here are some older kids handing out bags to children.
Kids loved it, taking advantage in the lull between floats to pick up candy on the street.
And then this guy – sheesh . . That is one loaded bag!
Kids on bikes with a decided Key west slant.
Emissaries from the fabulous side . .
High ecclesiastical dignitaries . .
A show of patriotism.
The high school band.
Happy families.
Beautifully behaved dogs for adoption from the SPCA.
Puppies, too.
Nice to see a cheerful ambulance on a happy mission.
These girls were amazing acrobats, doing flips like turbo charged gumbies on the road. Fearless!
I told you it was dinky.
Really dinky .
& sincere. . .
I think this is the Misfit Toys float. Tinky Winky, the purple Teletubby was the only one who showed. Go figger!
Mama’s Garden float – great lit palms.
Here’s three more.
Bye for now from Jamie the new hairdresser and Lydia the shampoo artist extraordinaire!
My best Christmas ever was spent in Key West. As I was looking at your pictures I found myself counting how many people were wearing sweaters and wondering if those wearing Santa hats had to wipe away the sweat from their brows casue it’s too hot there for that kind of thing. I’m a bit focused on warm weather though as it’s -22C with the windchill here and we are looking ahead to a snowfall rumoured to be anywhere from 15cm to 50cm this weekend.
I wish I was there truth be told!
I do have a request: could you take some pictures of the fabulously tropical xmas house decorations? I recall some fantastic dolphins pulling Santa’s sleigh when I was there and the terrific Santa in hammock! And nothing beats a snowman beside a palm tree.
That’s a great idea for a post. On the 18th there’s a special Conch Train holiday tour so I’ll do my best to capture the full impact. Thanks for asking!