St. Cloud Xmas parade to remain in morning; can you help with Santa’s sleigh?

As we are about to get into May, it’s a perfect time to talk about … the St. Cloud Christmas parade!

We’re not joking.

First off, after polling the community, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce has announced the parade will remain a morning event going forward, including this Dec. 7 at 10 a.m.

“We love presenting this decades long Holiday tradition as a gift to our community and we are thrilled to celebrate the 61st edition this December with all of St. Cloud and Osceola County,” St. Cloud Chamber President Dirk Webb said. “The gorgeous weather the first Saturday in December, the dazzling floats, the melodious marching bands and the thousands of you who spill into the downtown area to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season…”

So, what’s the issue?

“Poor Santa can't see past Gary Ketchum's truck!” Webb said. “I mean, Santa looks great and all, but…look what he’s riding in!”

Santa’s St. Cloud conveyance has seen better days.  Wonderful volunteers have kept trying to squeeze “one more holiday” out of it, but Mother Nature keeps reminding Santa who’s boss.

The parade committee has put the price tag on constructing a new sleigh on top of a newly-acquired trailer at $5,000, and needs help with the final $1,500.

“Please understand that we are not looking to offer sponsorships for this endeavor.  For the kids, Santa comes from the North Pole and needs no company or government entity to sponsor him,” Webb said. “His sponsorship is his own Christmas Magic!

So, if anyone would like to be a helpful elf and give Santa a new ride this year by donating money or time for the build  — You’ll definitely be on his “Nice” list this year! — go to: https://business.stcloudflchamber.com/form/view/32971