Ongoing theme for parade float still has five years to go
Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth
Not everyone gets it!
With Christmas in Caledonia on its way and specifically the Caledonia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade, now is a good time for some explanation.
Although certain costumes seem to stick in minds, they are just a small part of a float that has traveled the Santa Claus route since 2007.
A terrific concept, everything connects for the Caledonia Senior Support.
The story has evolved for the past seven years, never having to think up a theme.
The very popular Christmas cumulative song has played out with amplified music year after year.
There is a draw with tickets available in the Senior Support office that has been ongoing since 2007 too, included with the theme.
So… it started with a Partridge in a Pear Tree seven years ago. The partridge was a little lonely that first year.
Then in 2008, two Turtle Doves joined the partridge and on it goes until there were seven swans a swimming on each side of the float in 2013.
This year, a surprise for parade watchers is in store. The eight maids a milking will be another creation.
Those four Calling Birds (from the beginning it was actually “colly,” which was an English expression for black) added in 2010 were distinctive, and the five Gold Rings were dominant in 2011.
The Christmas Carol is English in its 1780 origin, thought to be French before that, with grand gifts being given out on the Twelve Days of Christmas.
A children’s book Mirth Without Mischief, first published in 1780 was a Twelfth Night game of adding verses.
Music added in 1909 is a traditional English melody.
The Senior Support fundraiser draw consists of purchasing tickets for a measly $2 to receive a gift each business day (12 days) from December 8 to 23.
The total value of the prizes or gifts, thanks to Caledonia business owners, is over $600.
How did they come with the idea?
Of course, general discussion led to the abstract intention.
Mary Goodwin makes sure each part of the theme, the costumes and graphics, in some cases, are carried out each year.
“Volunteers who agree to wear the ridiculous costumes have to be given credit,” said Mary.
She is quite aware that many people along the parade route haven’t really tuned into what the float is all about.
Can it be that the community’s appreciation for the Twelve Days of Christmas float and the work that goes into it is just beginning?
Watch for it on parade day, Nov. 29, 2014
