BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
LAKE BUTLER—The City of Lake Butler held its annual Christmas parade and Santa event on Dec. 22, 2023. The evening was cool but clear, and most people did not even realize it was the first day of winter. Due to rain and cool temperatures, the parade was a week later than originally scheduled.
The evening began at 6 p.m. with the Christmas parade. Led by the UCHS Tiger Marching Band, the parade was colorful and seasonal, featuring 11 floats (on trailers ranging from 12-50 ft.), 18 vehicles, four golf carts, four horses, and about 75 walkers. Near the end, Santa first appeared, riding on the UCHS Fire Department truck.
After the parade, the action shifted to the Union Depot building, where parents, grandparents, and kids lined up outside the building for their turn to see Santa. The City of Lake Butler hosted the event with the gifts and toys sponsored by Andrews Site Prep. There was a little delay while Santa got off the fire truck and made his way to the depot, but all the kids were focused on being good, so there was no problem. Since the depot is smaller than where the event is usually held, family groups were admitted one at a time to avoid overcrowding. Over 75 children got to see Santa, sit in his lap if they chose, and whisper to him their list of what they wanted for Christmas.
The Parade Float Judging Contest winners and the Main St. Decoration Contest were announced while everyone was waiting for Santa. Andrews Site Prep sponsored both of these contests. Winners of the float contest were First Place ($125) – Church of God, Second Place ($100 – Union County Soccer Club, and Third Place ($75) – Babe Ruth Baseball. Winners of the decoration contest were Lake Area Title Services and Simply Blessed, both of whom will receive a check for $112.50 and their 2024 city occupational license free at the next meeting of the Lake Butler City Commission on Jan. 16, 2024, along with the float winners.
The events went off with no problems. Community participation was high, with families lining the sidewalks along the parade route. As always, the Lake Butler/Union County Community comes together to celebrate Christmas and spend time with their families.
