Marydel parades its Christmas spirit

MARYDEL – The Annual Marydel Christmas Parade, 77 units strong this year, took a bit less than an hour Sunday to loop through the small town that straddles the Delaware and Maryland line in western Kent County.

Children eagerly snatched up the candy tossed from fire truck windows, the back of flatbeds and decorated golf horses. Decorated dogs helped pilot cars and miniature horses played reindeer.

Miss Delaware 2015 Brooke Mitchell was joined by Miss Delaware Outstanding Teen Michelle Ley. Ridgely (Md.) Volunteer Fire Company Junior Miss Fire Prevention Katelyn Tribbitt was dressed in red finery and somebody looking a lot like Santa Claus waved from the back of a truck.

Afterward, the holiday fun continued at parade sponsor Marydel Volunteer Fire Company’s firehouse with free hot dogs, drinks and Santa Claus distributing gifts to children. Treasurer and board member Randy Barr said the company expected 400 to 500 people.

The parade is a major event for the fire company: “Giving back to the community, it’s pretty big,” Mr. Barr said.

Garry Glanden, right, of Willow Grove, found a seat on a curb as he waited to see his grandson riding the Trinity United Methodist Church float. "Granddog" Daisy belongs to Kelly Kimmey, center, of Harrington. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

A navigator keeps alert to the route ahead. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

Children eagerly picked up candy tossed from those riding in the parade. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

Pirates ride high on the Bowers Volunteer Fire Company fire truck. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

The parade featured a mix of antique and new fire trucks, along with tractors, decorated pickups and pretty much anything else that had wheels. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

With 77 units, the parade sometimes halted at the right turn from First State Road onto Main Street. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

The Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club was among the participants in the Annual Marydel Christmas Parade Sunday. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

The Trinity United Methodist Church in Goldsboro, Maryland, float makes the turn from First State Road. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

A new take on a tree skirt. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

Miss Delaware 2015 Brooke Mitchell, left, and Miss Delaware Outstanding Teen Michelle Ley. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

There was plenty of candy for the picking as those in the parade tossed goodies to the people along the parade route. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

Horses and riders were dressed for the day. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

Katelyn Tribbitt, Junior Miss Fire Prevention for Ridgely (Md.) Volunteer Fire Company, was prepared for December temperatures. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

Someone looking a lot like Santa Claus was spotted in the Annual Marydel Christmas Parade Sunday. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)