- November 23, 2024
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By Shanna Fortier
Contributing Writer
Santa made his iconic debut in Flagler Beach Dec. 7 by parachuting onto the sand as a kick-off to the annual holiday parade.
This year, the parade was presented by the Flagler County Education Foundation, Grand Living Realty and Salty Church. The three organizations partnered to turn the parade into a scholarship event for the local high schools. Scholarship money came from entry fees and float sponsors.
“It’s all about giving back to the community,” said Suzie Johnston, one of the parade organizers.
Johnston said another goal of the new organizers is to create a classic parade that draws on the beach landscape and emphases floats. This year, of the 63 entires, one-third were floats.
“We’re one of the few towns in America that has an oceanfront parade,” Johnson said.
The business trio will also be organizing the July 4 parade in Flagler Beach, again aiming to give scholarships to both Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high school students.