- December 26, 2024
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The crew of the Parasail Siesta and Air Force One float
Photo by Ian SwabyRoland Nyarfadi, 5, picks up candy thrown during the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyShawna Smith and Ashley and Isabelle Urfer, 2, of Siesta Kiwanis
Photo by Ian SwabyThe parade makes its way down Beach Road.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlexis Frey, Ginny Kephart, Kyle Brouckaert, Juliet Perry, Kristin Hale and Samantha Lemmer of Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Photo by Ian SwabyRepresentatives of Tranquility by the Sea dance along Beach Road.
Photo by Ian SwabyCheryl Eason and Paul Fredell, of the Parasail Siesta and Air Force One float, toss candy
Photo by Ian SwabyDebra and Gino LaMarca and Nancy and Richar Virgin head down the parade route.
Photo by Ian SwabyFormer American Idol contestant Casey on the Key sings "Mele Kalikimaka" while aboard the ZoomAround float.
Photo by Ian SwabyRebecca and Henry Seiner drive past in the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyCasey Lynn of Siesta Key Wine Bar waves to the crowds.
Photo by Ian SwabyTom Dodge and Brian Usher walk in the parade as parrots, representing Siesta Key Wine Bar.
Photo by Ian SwabyAmber Guerra rides a bicycle in the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyNaiya Marisol-Pote and Charlotte Pote, 10, walk in the parade with Michael Saunders & Company.
Photo by Ian SwabyTony Medeiros (as The Grinch); Vivian Grey, 14; Mikayla Medeiros, 13; and Katelynn Lorber, 17, of Lobster Pot ride by in a float.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe parade heads down Beach Road.
Photo by Ian SwabyDee DeSpirlet and Barry Cline make their way through Siesta Key Village. Each year, they participate in support of Key Life Charters, which hosts Santa Claus.
Photo by Ian SwabyAllie Minzey, 7 and Aubree Pinnix, 5, become enthusiastic as Santa Claus arrives.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Santa Claus arrives on the Key Life Charters float.
Photo by Ian SwabyMark Cote walked through Siesta Key Village dressed as The Grinch.
Photo by Ian SwabyEmily Hahn, 6, meets The Grinch (Mark Cote), while in Siesta Key Village.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe thing to note about passing through Siesta Key during the annual Holiday Parade is that the public becomes highly involved, according to Lee Jennings, the general manager of Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites.
Indeed, on the evening of Nov. 25, many condominium residents could be seen watching from their balconies, with at least one group even calling for the candy to be tossed just a little higher, as kids scrambled to pick up the treats from along the sidewalks.
Organized by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the parade brought together many of the area’s local businesses, which decked out their vehicles with holiday decor while participants sported festive attire.
The excitement continued all the way through Siesta Key Village, where crowds lined the streets, and ended with the arrival of Santa Claus aboard the Key Life Charters float.
The celebrations then continued into the night at the various bars and restaurants.
“I love it — love it — it’s always a good time,” Jennings said.
Canyon Belt, 9, called the parade “really good,” with his favorite part being the candy, but also the boats from Siesta Key Jet Ski, for he appreciated the chance to see a parade element related to the water, something he loves.
Mark Cote was among the locals who decided to keep the holiday spirit going afterwards, for he was among those walking up and down the streets dressed as The Grinch.
“It’s been great — it’s been awesome… A very good parade,” he said.
