Weather doesn’t dampen spirits for ’Tis the Season Spectacular
Published 9:17 am Saturday, November 25, 2023
New Hope Baptist Church built a huge manger for their float. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
Lee Street Theatre put together a Radio Flyer float for the parade. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
Kiddie Land Kindergarten Royal Court pulled out all the stops with their float. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
When the parade ended and the sun set, the tree in Bell Tower Green was officially lit up. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse sit back while Ricky Howsare belts out a few songs. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
Tabernacle Baptist Church pulled people in decorated carts that circled around Main Street. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
The Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA had a giant inflatable float of a silver bell. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
Dakota and Friends showcased their dinosaurs during the parade. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
El Mariachi Los Gavilanes performed for Salisbury at the “‘Tis the Season Spectacular" parade. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum arrived in a train float. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd during the “‘Tis the Season Spectacular" parade. Brad Dountz/Salisbury Post.
By Brad Dountz
brad.dountz@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Even with rain and wind coming down on downtown Salisbury, the “‘Tis the Season Spectacular” parade weathered the storm to welcome the holiday season in style.
People of all ages stood and sat in the rain on Wednesday in order to see the colorful, fun and eye-popping floats that came from all corners of Rowan County. The parade started in downtown Spencer before it slowly found its way to the heart of Salisbury.
Besides local organizations, churches and companies having floats for the parade, many national celebrities showed up, too. The Grinch as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse visited Salisbury to get people in the spirit. All told, more than 140 floats participated in the parade.
As is tradition, the very last float of the day had Santa Claus himself, along with Mrs. Claus, coming down Main Street in their red sleigh pulled by their magical reindeer to the delight of everyone.
Right after the parade, the crowd made its way over to Bell Tower Green where the official tree lighting ceremony took place. Just as the lights turned on, a thunderous applause broke out and the band Too Much Sylvia suddenly began playing timeless Christmas tunes.
“Thank you so much on the behalf of the city of Salisbury. It’s my pleasure to be here tonight to welcome you all either to Salisbury or back to Salisbury to visit your families,” Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield said during the ceremony.
All of this was made possible thanks to the “‘Tis the Season Spectacular” committee and the numerous volunteers who donated their time and energy to make this event one of the best of the year.
