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he Grinch made a memorable appearance at this year’s Spirit of Christmas parade. Patrick and Jenny Baker’s family brought the crusty and misanthropic Seuss character to life.

The same, however, could not be said for the tractor Mr. Grinch rode in on.

The Grinch, as channeled by Patrick Baker, early in the parade on Broad Street. It may not be apparent, but this was the happier time of the parade for Mr. Grinch.

Patrick Baker’s Grinch, in the green mask, drove the red tractor while three others in the crew sported highly teased — very highly — hair and circus-like colors as they walked and danced to the “You’re A Mean One Mister Grinch” soundtrack.

The Baker Family’s interpretation of the Grinch’s holiday.

Then toward the end of the parade, the 1950’s tractor made a Grinch-like move. Near the Town Dock, the tractor stalled, and so did the parade.

All was going swimmingly for Mr. Grinch and his 1950 tractor.. until he got to the Town Dock section of Hodges Street.

For a few minutes, Grinch and others tried to revive the engine, as you can see in the photos below.

It was tough to read Mr. Grinch’s lips as he tried over and over to get the engine to turn over.

Mr. Grinch ISO Mr. Goodwrench. Some help comes from the sidelines.

The breakdown did give an opportunity to more closely inspect the Grinch troupe’s hair-chetecture. (Word was that balloons were an integral part of the hairstyling.)

Dave of Diversified Auto took a look, at left, while members of the Grinch crew waited.

The tractor started and drew cheers from the crowd and then an audible “owww” when the engine died again. Mostly, those on the sidelines watched in amusement .

After a minute or two, the “Push” option was deployed.

… and so it rolled away.

Last seen on Hodges Street. But have we seen the last of Mr. Grinch?

For their efforts, the Baker Family won the Ambassador’s Award.

(MobileCam, which had been deployed near the Town Dock, also captured some of the action — and inaction — of the parade and the Grinch troupe’s breakdown.)

Posted Monday December 14, 2009 by Melinda Penkava