Santa Claus stars in parade that draws crowds, Who Dey mascot

Photos: Santa Parade in Middletown

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Community members gathered in downtown Middletown to watch the Santa Parade Saturday evening, Nov. 28, 2009. The parade began at the Middletown Public Library and ended at Governor's Square.

Staff photo by Jessica Uttinger Community members gathered in downtown Middletown to watch the Santa Parade Saturday evening, Nov. 28, 2009. The parade began at the Middletown Public Library and ended at Governor's Square.

Marchers, floats and  performers draw crowd and children line up to  visit with St. Nick.

By Richard O Jones, Staff Writer Updated 10:44 AM Sunday, November 29, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — There was dancing in the streets of Middletown as the city welcomed Santa Claus on Saturday, Nov. 28, for the third annual Home for the Holiday Santa Parade.

“There are about three times as many people out here as there was last year,” said Linda Moorman, who co-chaired the event with Jamie Murphy. “The parade is much bigger, too.”

As the floats and marchers made their way up Broad Street from the Middletown Public Library to Governor’s Square, local dance troupes stopped in the intersection of Central Avenue to perform for the crowd.

Who Dey, the Cincinnati Bengals’ mascot, accompanied by Middletown resident Bill “Seg” Dennison of 700 WLW radio, was followed by dancers from A Step Ahead studio, who performed a routine to “Welcome to the Jungle.”

Two groups from Creative Dance Expressions studio also performed, as did the Rockettes from the Academy of Dance Arts.

After the hourlong parade, children lined up in Governor’s Square to visit with St. Nick himself, with 9-year-old Caden Nance, who asked for a baby brother, leading the pack.

The event concluded with the Middletown firefighters using a ladder truck to put a Christmas star atop the gazebo in Governor’s Square Park.

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What A Nice Event. My 5 g-kids didn't become board, maybe a bit restless from the excitement, but as I see it, it was Our responsibility to keep them focused.

To those complaining their children became bored & cold, Did you prepare for the parade? Did you bring a snack & drink as you would have for the summer parades? Did you consider taking a blanket, It was late November.

Thanks to Everyone who worked hard give us an enjoyable evening. You are greatly appreciated by many

Wheres Your Spirit
10:26 AM, 11/30/2009

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I agree with nice attempt. I think it's a great concept and there was alot of obvious hard work put into it. However there were many gaps and it was extremely difficult to keep our kids entertained and occupied between floats. I believe that it could have been a little better organized. Not a critique but a suggestion for next year to have a better flow of the floats and groups in the parade. To get off your buns and jim l, relaxe, no need to get so hateful and rude. It's just a parade.

Nice attempt 2...
3:59 PM, 11/29/2009

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Nice attempt. If you think you can do better ..GET OFF YOUR BUNS and join the group of people that help put the parade together.. Or just keep your butt home sitting on the couch doing nothing .. but thinking of something bad to say about the people that are working hard to put things together to pull OUR TOWN together. NOW SHUT UP, or get out there and help.

Get off your Buns
2:17 PM, 11/29/2009

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It was a nice function. Not perfect but nice. The weather was beautiful, the floats entertaining and the effort by all obvious. Surely the opportunity to see friends and enjoy their company during the down times between floats was worthwhile. I guess "nice attempt" had no friends or acquaintances attending the event. Too bad.

Jim L
10:50 AM, 11/29/2009

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To nice attempt...It was an excellent attempt at Christmas spirit! This is exactly what Middletown needs. This is only the 3rd year for the event and it will only get bigger and better. If you have never planned an event such as this then it is better you keep your negativity to yourself. Three cheers to Linda and Jamie!!! Keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to next years event. =)

paulasjourney
10:16 AM, 11/29/2009

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