He knows when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good . . .
. . . And now he’s coming to Oxford to verify intelligence reports from his elves.
The one and only Santa Claus will be making his annual pre-holiday trek to our community during the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade, set to march along downtown’s Washington St. (M-24), between Mechanic and East streets, beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
‘Fantasies and Fairytales? is the theme for this year’s parade which promises to delight children of all ages.
?(DDA Events Coordinator) Michael Johnson and I were talking and he wanted to bring the magic to Oxford with the whole Christmas tree lighting (see page 15),? explained Chamber Executive Director Holly Bills. ‘We came up with ‘Fantasies and Fairytales? because it’s kind of magical.?
As of Monday, about 30 entries were signed up to march in the annual parade.
‘Last year, we had 50,? Bills noted. ‘But they’re still coming in.?
Parade entries include the usual mix of local churches, businesses, scout troops, schools, service clubs and dance studios.
The grand marshals for this year’s parade are Oxford residents Clara Sanderson and David Zanin.
Sanderson is well-known for her 36 years of dedicated service as township clerk. First elected in 1972, she retired just last year.
‘Isn’t that something. It was quite a surprise,? said Sanderson, referring to her status as grand marshal. ‘I really appreciate this honor, being selected to represent Oxford in the parade, and I’m looking forward to it.?
Zanin is a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army, who’s served in the military since 1992. A Jr. Vice Commander with Oxford American Legion Post 108, Zanin is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005-06) and Operation Enduring Freedom in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (2003-04).
Following the parade, kids ? and their parents ? are invited to visit Centennial Park to sit on Santa’s lap in the gazebo and pet live reindeer provided by Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Pewamo, Michigan.