BUCYRUS―For 14 years, Bucyrus resident Carolynann Smith has been working tirelessly to bring smiles to children’s faces with the annual Santa Parade and this year is no exception.
The parade that will bring Santa Claus to town on a fire truck will kick off Friday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. and will run from Circle K on North Sandusky Avenue south to Charles Street.
“So far, we have 234 entries. It amazes me how much the parade has grown since I began helping 14 years ago,” Smith said.
Smith was asked by Doug Godwin of the now-defunct Bucyrus Area Business Association, to help organize the parade entries in 2004.
“There were only about 70 entries at that time,” said Smith.
Deadline for parade entries is Tuesday, Nov. 13.
“I used to take entries up until the day of the parade but it’s too confusing to keep changing the line-up so we decided to have a deadline date this year,” Smith said.
Tyler Jacobs, executive director of the Bucyrus Chamber of Commerce, is in charge of the organizing this year’s line-up.
“Tyler has been a big help,” Smith said.
Smith also credits the partnership of the Bucyrus Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs for continuing to make the parade a huge success.
“Wanda Grasley helps me with all of the costumes for the characters that we have in the parade. This year we have several including Frosty, snow princesses, Cat-in-the-Hat, Pooh, Tigger and so many more,” said Smith.
Smith said many volunteers also help with the parade.
“We could not do it without each one of them,” said Smith.
Smith and her helpers are getting 5,000 pieces of candy ready to be handed out to children along the parade route.
“My whole living room has been taken over by candy and costumes,” said Smith with a laugh.
Smith said this year’s grand parade marshal is Mary Jean Hensley of Together We Hurt, Together We Heal and that one of the first-time parade entries is the Ohio Alpaca Association.
In previous years, Smith has ridden on her motorized wheelchair through the parade but is sitting this one out.
“I am going to sit on the square with my family. I want to just watch it and see everyone enjoy it,” said Smith. “Seeing the smiles on the little children’s faces, and the big kids too, makes all the time and effort worth it. I love to see people smiling and happy.”