Siesta Key parade kicks off the holiday season

By Ian Swaby
| 10:30 a.m. December 2, 2024

Staff from Michael Saunders & Company gather at their float.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

Becky and Henry Seiner had plans for the holidays that included riding in the Siesta Key Holiday Parade, but first they had to replace drywall and floors after Hurricane Helene.

However, due to efforts which they say involved the community's helping hand, they moved back into their home two weeks ago.

They then welcomed their daughter Bailey Seiner and her significant other Mick Woolerton, with the four of them riding together in the parade on Nov. 30.

"They did it all for Thanksgiving, for us to come down, and for the parade," said Bailey Seiner.

Ann Frescura, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, which manages the event, said the parade has at least 20 entrants this year, which she called "exactly where we need to be."

New this year, families could meet Santa Claus before the parade rather than after, at the Chamber's office and Visitor Center at 5223 Avenida Navarra, which also offered an art activity for kids.

Frescura said this helped to build awareness of the location, which the Chamber has occupied since May.

"It's a nice family tradition that we're very proud to continue here in the village to support the local tourism base, and obviously, the local businesses as well," Frescura said.

Megan Roach, Cassandra Roach and Brittaney Cadmus, and Brittaney's daughter Mia Bella Cadmus, 4 helped represent The Frog Hop trolley service.

Jason Harless, who co-owns the local branch of Pink's Window Services with his wife Tori Harless, walks with his son Tristan Harless, 5. His daughter Isla Harless, 3, was also in the parade.

Donna Simon and Sienna Simon, 2, watch as a flurry of snow comes down from the Air Force One float.

Leo Hopen, 3, accepts candy from Jason Harless of Pink's Window Services.

Liam Amstutz and Parker Weathers, 3, wave as Santa Claus approaches.

Dean DuBois and Harley DuBois, 4, watch as Santa Claus approaches.

Nancy Gorsha, Cameron Mears, 11, Sophia Orzechwski, 14 and Brady Mears, 14, welcome Santa Claus.

Megan Roach gives Remington Kanter, 2, a pat on the head.

The Siesta Key Wine Bar float offered a variety of tropical decor.

Tom Dodge of Siesta Key Wine Bar shows off colorful plumage.

Lynn Hagan, Jody Mack and Cindy Burke-McGuire carry the Tranquility by the Sea banner.

Santa Claus arrives in Siesta Key Village.

Mick Woolerton, his significant other Bailey Seiner and her parents Becky and Henry Seiner rode in the parade as a family.

author

Ian Swaby

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.