The 2021 Spirit of Christmas Parade

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Antlers, dogs & dinghies on wheels
December 16, 2021

I
n a coastal town like Oriental, Santa doesn’t ride in on a sleigh pulled by reindeer – he gets a lift on the local Coast Guard cutter.

Santa gets an escort from the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Santa Claus was part of the Spirit of Christmas Parade, held during the second weekend in December. But Santa wasn’t alone.

An empty bag waiting on candy.

There were Grinches, elves, classic cars, old tractors, fire trucks, the Pamlico High School Band, local businesses, churches, and families, and of course representation from Oriental’s four-legged residents, too.

A very excited member of the New Bern Yacht Club walking in the parade.

Paige stands on her mother’s lap, waiting on the parade to begin.

Folks use The Village Brewery as a perfect place to watch the parade.

The vet techs of Oriental Village Veterinary Hospital still at work – handling a tired dog who refuses to walk any further.

Members of the Galilee UCC waiting for the parade to begin.

He’ll grow into it.

The full drumming kid view.

Faron and Freda Watson in a 1948 Plymouth. They were married in 2013 and left in the car—Faron wrote ’4-ever’ in shoe polish on the side and its been impossible to get off, says Freda. Their elf-friend Jan Cahoon sits in the backseat.

Fire Station 19’s American LaFrance Foamite fire truck heads the line of emergency vehicles.

The Pamlico High School Band on Hodges Street.

Catching the parade form the staircase of the Oriental Marina & Inn.

Mayor Sally Belangia on the cart for First Citizens Bank.

Pamlico County High School marching band warms-up before the Spirit of Christmas parade in Oriental Saturday.

The Chinese Dragon and its handler, Larry Summers.

‘Do they throw dog bones, too?’

The Bow to Stern crew push, pull, and ride through the parade.

Dayln Nimmo hangs out with children Wyatt Best, Kendrick Best, and Braxton Best, while they are greeted by people in the parade.

Matching eyewear.

Parade Master Tony Santore.

Sheriff Chris Davis caught the Grinch.

Ginger Barnett walks Scruffy & Pearl ahead of the rest of the Barnett family.

Drummers and classic cars found a place in the parade.

Picking up as much candy as he can hold.

Story by Allison DeWeese. Photos by Andrea Bruce, Allison DeWeese, and Keith Smith.