Santa Claus arrives on the Key Life Charters float.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Siesta Key
Neighbors
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The thing to note about passing through Siesta Key during the annual Holiday Parade is that the public becomes highly involved, according to Lee Jennings, the general manager of Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites.
Indeed, on the evening of Nov. 25, many condominium residents could be seen watching from their balconies, with at least one group even calling for the candy to be tossed just a little higher, as kids scrambled to pick up the treats from along the sidewalks.
Organized by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, the parade brought together many of the area’s local businesses, which decked out their vehicles with holiday decor while participants sported festive attire.
The excitement continued all the way through Siesta Key Village, where crowds lined the streets, and ended with the arrival of Santa Claus aboard the Key Life Charters float.
The celebrations then continued into the night at the various bars and restaurants.
“I love it — love it — it’s always a good time,” Jennings said.
Canyon Belt, 9, called the parade “really good,” with his favorite part being the candy, but also the boats from Siesta Key Jet Ski, for he appreciated the chance to see a parade element related to the water, something he loves.
Mark Cote was among the locals who decided to keep the holiday spirit going afterwards, for he was among those walking up and down the streets dressed as The Grinch.
“It’s been great — it’s been awesome… A very good parade,” he said.
The crew of the Parasail Siesta and Air Force One float
Photo by Ian Swaby
Roland Nyarfadi, 5, picks up candy thrown during the parade.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Shawna Smith and Ashley and Isabelle Urfer, 2, of Siesta Kiwanis
Photo by Ian Swaby
The parade makes its way down Beach Road.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alexis Frey, Ginny Kephart, Kyle Brouckaert, Juliet Perry, Kristin Hale and Samantha Lemmer of Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Photo by Ian Swaby
Representatives of Tranquility by the Sea dance along Beach Road.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Cheryl Eason and Paul Fredell, of the Parasail Siesta and Air Force One float, toss candy
Photo by Ian Swaby
Debra and Gino LaMarca and Nancy and Richar Virgin head down the parade route.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Former American Idol contestant Casey on the Key sings "Mele Kalikimaka" while aboard the ZoomAround float.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Rebecca and Henry Seiner drive past in the parade.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Casey Lynn of Siesta Key Wine Bar waves to the crowds.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Tom Dodge and Brian Usher walk in the parade as parrots, representing Siesta Key Wine Bar.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Amber Guerra rides a bicycle in the parade.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Naiya Marisol-Pote and Charlotte Pote, 10, walk in the parade with Michael Saunders & Company.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Tony Medeiros (as The Grinch); Vivian Grey, 14; Mikayla Medeiros, 13; and Katelynn Lorber, 17, of Lobster Pot ride by in a float.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The parade heads down Beach Road.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Dee DeSpirlet and Barry Cline make their way through Siesta Key Village. Each year, they participate in support of Key Life Charters, which hosts Santa Claus.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Allie Minzey, 7 and Aubree Pinnix, 5, become enthusiastic as Santa Claus arrives.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Photo by Ian Swaby
Santa Claus arrives on the Key Life Charters float.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Mark Cote walked through Siesta Key Village dressed as The Grinch.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Emily Hahn, 6, meets The Grinch (Mark Cote), while in Siesta Key Village.
Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.
