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Parade and stroll spread seasonal cheer in Dade City
By MICHELLE JONES, Times Staff Writer
DADE CITY -- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially in Dade City this weekend. At 7 tonight, the holiday season will be kicked off with the 16th annual Magical Night Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. This night parade features lights on all floats and marching units. Last year even members of the marching bands wore battery-powered lights. No Santa Claus characters are allowed in the parade except on the hook-and-ladder truck at the end. Religious themes dominate most floats. The parade route travels south on U.S. 301 through the heart of Dade City and is so popular that people park their cars along the route during the afternoon to assure a good view of the festivities. On Saturday the 18th annual Country Christmas Stroll, hosted by Downtown Dade City Main Street will begin at 5 p.m. Entertainment on three stages around the historic courthouse will continue until late evening. People are invited to shop at the antique and specialty shops or dine at the city's restaurants and cafes, such as Lunch On Limoges, until 9 p.m. Food vendors also will offer holiday treats. Costumed carolers will join other street entertainers in town. Streets around the courthouse will be closed to vehicle traffic during the stroll. Decked out with Christmas decorations, the stores will offer treats to shoppers. An extra in the stroll this year will be the monthly Dade City Cruise-In, in which 1,000 classic vehicles will be displayed. Cars range from Model T's and Model A's to muscle and other specialty cars. Horse-drawn carriages will carry people around the town. "We are hoping for a slight chill in the air and no rain," said Ginny Solberg, executive director of Downtown Dade City Main Street. "We expect everyone to have a very special Dade City evening as an introduction to their special family holiday season." And Santa Claus, who makes his first Dade City appearance of the season during the Magical Night Parade, will be at the Agnes Lamb/Four Seasons Park hearing children's requests. Face painting and a special shop -- Santa's Secret Kid's Store, for children only, staffed by Santa's elves -- is also planned. The store is at Seventh Street and Church Avenue. Another event for kids will be skateboarding demonstrations at the new skateboard park on Meridian Avenue, across from City Hall. Two of the evening's entertainers are Frank and Mary James, siblings who play old-time musical instruments and sing and dance. Fritzy the Clown, the choir from Tampa's Riverhills Church of God and children who participated in local talent contests will also provide free entertainment. "This is an evening of good food, good fun and enjoyment for all," Solberg said. -- Michelle Jones can be reached at (813) 909-4612 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505 ext. 4612. Her e-mail address is jones@sptimes.com. If you goMagical Night Parade and Country Christmas Stroll. When: Parade, 7 tonight and Stroll 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Where: Downtown Dade City. Cost: Both events are free.
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