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he 2010 Spirit of Christmas celebration will be remembered not only for the weather that changed a few plans, but also for the spirit that emerged.

This was the first Spirit of Christmas in a long while in which Larry Walker, who passed away December 2, did not don the red suit that went so well with his white beard and outsize personality. And then, Saturday’s Spirit of Christmas parade was called off altogether when it appeared that the rain wouldn’t stop by the 4pm start time.

Eric Kindle in the driver’s seat of an Oriental/Station 19 fire truck. It led the way down Broad Street in Saturday’s Impromptu Spirit of Christmas parade.

That however, didn’t deter a half dozen groups who had prepared floats and who decided to give Oriental a parade anyway. Shortly after 4, they proceeded down Broad Street and Hodges, led by a Station 19 firetruck, sirens blaring, to let the folks on porches and the few walking on the sidewalks know that a parade was in fact coming their way.

Though the rain scuttled the official parade, Larry Walker’s red convertible took part in the impromptu procession, as did his inflatable boat, both carrying employees of Larry’s World Wide Marine Training school. (In the official parade that didn’t happen, they were lined up to be the Parade Marshals in a tribute to Larry.)

Santa still made his appearances around town, stopping in at stores and reading The Night Before Christmas at the Old Theater. It was a bit daunting for Santa. At days end though, Charlie Garrett talked about being taken by surprise at the unqualified response he got from young kids who came up to him.

Santa and his photographer, Mona Kay Sadler who took photos of kids with Santa. She noted that the first year someone dons the Santa suit, the person plays Santa. “The next time they do it,” she said, “he is Santa.”

Around town, traditions carried on. The Pamlico Chorale performed two nights inside the Methodist church. The Children’s Theater Workshop went ahead with Saturday afternoon’s Live Nativity outside the Methodist Church despite the rain falling on the assembled Wise Men, Shepherds, Angels, Mary and Joseph. (The tarp laid in front of the manger was a perfect match to Mary’s blue robe.) And all over, hot cider in varying formulations and other treats were offered to those who came in out of the rain.

No midnight clear, but a rainy afternoon. Still, the live nativity went on, outside, with a tarp added.

Meanwhile, the Oriental Star was lit for another holiday season. Several dozen people came out Friday night to sing carols before and after the star lighted up. The lighted boat flotilla, slated for Friday night was canceled, due in part to predicted cold temperatures, and to low response. Several boats lighted up the side of Oriental’s harbor over the weekend.

The Oriental Star, lighting the night sky on Hodges Street at the Town Dock. A few dozen carolers — and one red hooded keyboard player — gathered to sing as the star was lighted Friday night

While the weather may’ve dampened crowd numbers and some turnout at stores and businesses, some said the low-key atmosphere harkened back to a few decades ago when this second weekend in December celebration began.

The rain also took its toll on the plans to light up Oriental’s main streets with luminaries on Saturday night. The white bags wilted in the rain soon after they were placed along the curbs Saturday morning. They were beyond lighting after a day of paper-maché making rain.

Organizers of the 2010 Spirit of Christmas, Missy Baskervill, Candy Bohmert and Paul Fairbank sent out words of thanks:

We would like to thank all of the volunteers for this year’s Spirit of Christmas. Even though the weather didn’t want to cooperate, your spirits weren’t dampened as you braved the cold to put the luminaries together, and the rain to try to get them placed.

While the parade had to be “officially” cancelled, you carried on anyway, to everyone’s delight. And most importantly, Santa stopped in and greeted the children, the way he always has.

Oriental lost a friend and found new heroes. We’ve seen that the Spirit of Christmas lives in the hearts of each of us and not so much in the parade, the candles and the weather. Thank you all for all you have done and we wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Meanwhile, a rain date might have emerged for the parade. A half a year off? Parademeister Paul Fairbank says that the theme for next July’s Croakerfest Parade could be “Christmas in July.” (He credits Elizabeth Harris of Down East Canvas for the lemonade-out-of-lemons idea.)

More photos of the renegade parade, the live nativity and other signs of spirit from the weekend, just ahead > > >

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The Impromptu (or Renegade) Spirit of Christmas Parade 2010.

Nancy Hiller and Mary Clyde Dunn on the PAWS float which followed thru with the parade theme: Christmas Around The World. Volunteers showing the country of origin — way back — of their pets.

What’s a parade without a tractor?.

Among the methods of staying dry: a patio umbrella helps.

Though the rain scuttled the official parade, Larry Walker’s red convertible took part in the impromptu procession.

The impromptu parade also had a church truck.

Most of those floats involved in the impromptu parade had shelters over their heads to keep off the steady drizzle. But not all did.

The Cafe Rider Contingent. Jesse Edwards brings up the end of the parade.

Camilla Wheeler greeted the passing parade from the sidewalk in front of her Nautical Wheelers shop.

Sue Henry gives the wave from inside a vehicle that had not planned to be in the parade, but which got swept up after making a turn on to the renegades parade route. (Fashion news: Sue is wearing one of the “glovelies” that Charis Hill was selling at Saturday’s Oriental Farmers’ Market.)

Competition for the PAWS float in the Best Dog division.

The county GOP float was ready to be part of the official parade, until it was canceled. As they explained later, they decided to run the parade route anyway, and did so before the firetruck led the other floats down Broad Street. A GOP spokesman says they tossed out 25 pounds of candy.

Dave Cox was ready to go, dressed in his bathrobe to be part of the eleven piping pipers but the other ten stayed away once the official parade was canceled.

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The porch of Nautical Wheelers was popular for the roof over the head, and the cider and sangria being offered.

An artful dodger on the front porch at Down East Canvas Gallery.

Cider from the back table at Down East Canvas and Gallery.

Some treats at a Spirit of Christmas reception, and appropriate footwear for socializing in Saturday’s rain — a pair of Pamlico County Reeboks.

Cathy and Cliff Bond, owners of Village Hardware with a bit more of their ‘Bull Stew’ to offer.

At Village Gallery to the sounds of flute and dulcimer music, visitors viewed a special collection of artists’ work.

At Village Hardware’s counter, Ellen Speciale and Jane Wright wore elf-inspired tunics.

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The Children’s Theater Workshop presented the Live Nativity outside the Methodist Church Saturday afternoon.

From behind the manger looking out to the audience, many of whom were standing under umbrellas.

Angels were heard on high, a few steps above the assembled audience and nativity scene.

A beatific Mary, played by Kaitlyn Belangia, offers a wide smile as the Live Nativity ended.

Some of the Live Nativity cast, Kings and Shepherds Divisions.

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At The Bean, glitter and coloring were evident as kids decorated sand dollar tree ornaments. They hung to dry in the window.

One sand dollar ornament moments after the last touches were applied.

Town Commissioner Warren Johnson at the HOPE Clinic’s chicken soup pot.

Volunteers with Pamlico County Fishes and Loaves….

The Oriental First Responders traded hot dogs for a donation to the medic cause.

A drawing of Larry Walker as Santa in another Spirit of Christmas. The Betty Brown drawing was on display at the Village Gallery – Betty plans on donating it to the Oriental History Museum.

Posted Tuesday December 14, 2010 by Melinda Penkava