Hobe Sound, FL (December 9, 2013) – On Saturday, December 7th the streets of downtown Hobe Sound were lined with red and green garland, bows and bells as more than 4,000 excited residents and visitors waited for the arrival of Santa Claus in the Hobe Sound Christmas Parade. Businesses and store fronts decorated and opened their doors to share holiday treats and entertainment. The Mancuso Building, on the south side of Bridge Road, transformed into a giant parade grandstand and judging station. All the hustle and bustle marked the beginning of the 28th Annual Hobe Sound Christmas Parade hosted by the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Treasure Coast Irrigation/ Rood Landscape.
Families arrived early to meander through the Art Stroll that featured local crafters and artists. Dancensound DJ entertained the waiting crowd with holiday musical selections. Once the Parade was in sight the children began to cheer. Floats and decorated vehicles created by local businesses, schools and organizations drifted along the roadway. Local middle and high school bands marched and played hit songs. Kids were able to meet Ronald McDonald, the Chick-Fil-A Cow, Smoky the Bear, the Nesquick Bunny and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
The Parade judges watched the action from the Grandstand and ranked their favorite floats. Judging categories for the entries included Most Humorous, Best Marching, Most Original, Best Religious and Best Overall. It was a hard task but the judges discussed and considered each entry and awarded the Trophies to the winners on Monday, December 9, 2013.
The Hobe Sound Chamber along with Presenting Sponsor, Treasure Coast Irrigation/ Rood Landscape would like to congratulate the following winners:
Most Humorous: Sponge Bob Fan Club Float by Martin County Tax Collector, Ruth Pietruszewski and her staff
Best Marching: Hidden Oaks Middle School Band & Color Guard
Most Original: The Girl Scouts of SE Florida, Martin County led by Merribeth Manning
Best Religious: Kids Kickin’ for Christ
Best Overall: Hobe Sound Elementary School’s holiday float
The 28th Annual Hobe Sound Christmas Parade judges did a fantastic job. Thank you to all five judges!
Bobbi Kauffman, Chamber Volunteer
Jon Milton of Milton Engineering
Dennis Root of Dennis Root & Associates
Lauren Espitia, Entertainment Columnist for the Stuart News
Elizabeth Hubbard of SMRU
The Chamber would like to thank all the participants, volunteers, chamber members, downtown businesses, residents and of course the Parade sponsors for making it a great event. Supporting sponsors included Bridge Boat and RV Storage, the Hobe Sound Soccer Club, Coast 101.3 and the Stuart News.