By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer

MOUNT CLEMENS — Amanda and Kurt Steinke, along with their twin 4-year-old daughters, braved the cold temperatures on Nov. 27 to see the approximately two-hour annual Mount Clemens presents the Macomb County Santa Parade 2009.

Kurt said they came because both daughters wanted to see a little bit of everything.

“I think the girls are probably looking forward to the bands and we heard the Clydesdales are going to be here, that’s going to be cool. Pretty much everything. And they want candy,” said Kurt, laughing.

And they want to see Santa,” added Amanda.

The event took place the morning after Thanksgiving in downtown Mount Clemens on Main Street between Church and Clinton. Santa and the Clydesdale horses — the mascot of Anheuser-Busch— were just some of the anticipated guests that delighted thousands of children and adults at the event. Attendees could also see a bevy of floats sponsored by local businesses and organizations and several bands showed off their musical capabilities.

According to Mount Clemens City Commissioner Matt Dreger, who also acted as staging director for the parade, there were a total of 167 units signed up to take part in the event.

“We’re growing exponentially every year,” said Dreger, who said that he knew attendees would love this year’s parade.

“The economic times have driven a lot of people to stay closer to home and we’re going to give them everything they need to have a good holiday right here in the county seat,” he said.

Randi Vaughn was happy that she was able to make it out to the parade this year. She said that she usually has to work the day after Thanksgiving, so coming was a special treat.

“I took advantage of it this year,” she said.

Also with her was her son Nathan Vaughn-Bowl and her nephew Ty Wyka, both of whom were interested in seeing clowns.

“It’s always a fun time and it’s a very good parade. Even though it’s Mount Clemens, it’s probably about as good as the Detroit one,” she said.

Santa was in especially good spirits at the event.

“I love this parade here in downtown Mount Clemens. The Macomb County Santa Parade is a lot of my favorites and I get to do a lot of them … all over the world, but this is fun because the kids are so nice and I hear they’ve been especially good today,” he said, while sitting in his sleigh with two elves and Mrs. Claus, waiting to ride down Main Street.

Mount Clemens Mayor Barb Dempsey, who puts on the parade every year with the help of volunteers, called the event “a great success.” 

“I think it was fantastic. I think everything went really well and it was just exciting to see all of those kids and how happy (they were),” she said. “It’s two hours that families don’t have to worry about stress and they can just come and join the parade.”

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Cormier at scormier@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1095.