Santa Claus arrived a little early
this year to give Bowling Green a look into his Toy Box.Santa, his friends and all his toys marched down
Main Street to the beat of Christmas music for the Bowing Green Holiday Parade on Saturday. PHOTO BLOGAlthough the skies grew darker as the
parade continued, the holiday spirit only grew brighter.More than 100 units participated with floats ranging
from a real horse-drawn sleigh by Jim Palmer Excavating to dancing teddy bears by Milligan Workshops.This
year’s "Santa’s Tox Box" theme had children up and dancing along with their favorite toys.Gumby,
Buzz Lightyear and Super Mario were all on hand to celebrate.BG high school senior Taylor DeSmith helped
bring some holiday music alive with the help of her school’s marching band and her clarinet."I like
seeing all the little kids get up and dance," DeSmith said. "And our alumni like to come out and
see how good we are."This was DeSmith’s fourth year in the parade."Our band plays ‘Santa’s
Parade,’ which is a mix of Christmas music," DeSmith said. "The parade happens even before
Thanksgiving, so it’s a good way to start off Christmas."Bowling Green police led the way with Mayor
Dick Edwards, honorary grand marshal, not far behind.Fellow politicians Bowling Green councilwoman Sandy
Rowland and State Rep. Tim Brown (R-Bowling Gree) also braved the chilly 27-degree weather to come out and
greet the large crowd.Rowland rode in a car provided by Bowling Green Hats & Apparel with her
grandson Trace Crouch, 6."Seeing the kids’ faces is such a thrill," Rowland said. "I wanted
to ring in the season with a wonderful hometown."Jen Heffernan also rang in the season in Bowling Green
and has ever since she was a child.Now, Heffernan brings her two sons to the parade every year.Her older son
Owen, 7, rode on his Cub Scout float, while little brother Gavin, 4, watched with mom under a blanket near
the end of the parade route."Gavin’s favorite part is the tractors," Heffernan said. "The
parade is just the start of our holiday. The kids have fun doing it. We make some good memories."Girls
Scouts from Daisy Troop 10167 dressed up like Santa’s elves and sang songs for the crowd from their red
pickup truck float.People of all ages lined both sides of Main Street and clapped for their favorite floats
– both big and small.From preschooler twirlers in sequined costumes to senior citizens giving high fives,
all were ready to help out Santa and his toys.The man in demand ended out the parade about two hours after
it started and even got a few snowflakes to welcome him downtown.People cheered as Santa rode down the
street on his sleigh.Watching the kids see Santa is special for all adults and parents, including
Brown."He’s always my favorite part," Brown said. "I get to see so many smiles on kids’ faces
because they know Santa Claus will be at the end."Parade winnnersBest In
Show: A.A. Green RealtyBest Youth Organization: Girl Scout Troop #10906Most Unique: Wood County HospitalBest
Live Performance: High Society Baton CropsBest Float Decoration/Construction: GKN Driveline