Even though the temperature had fallen, it was no match for those set on attending the annual Immokalee Christmas Parade. From the start of the parade route to the very end, local residents lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the floats this year. Members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle unit led the way by giving ‘high-fives’ to kids along the route while the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard cleared the way. Firefighters with the Immokalee Fire Control District waved, shook hands, and passed out candy ahead of Tower-Ladder 32 where Chief Choate tossed candy from the bucket on the front of the truck. The grand marshal position was held by family members of Floyd Crews who passed away earlier this year. As young children eagerly waited to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, they first got a look at a number of well-designed local floats and decorated vehicles. In true Immokalee fashion, each float had a meaning special to the Immokalee community. The ICS Harvesting float focused on fruits and vegetables grown in the area. It even came complete with a homemade Christmas tree that was creatively designed out of buckets, tinsel, cucumbers, and topped with a pineapple. Folks from La Ley 92.1 FM played music as they threw candy to the crowd. Noticeably absent this year where the individual school floats that local residents have come to enjoy. In years gone by, schools like Highlands Elementary and Lake Trafford Elementary School have participated with individual floats. The change this year seemed lacked that competitive school spirit. Although, the Immokalee High School Marching Band brought back that hometown Christmas spirit as the band made its way along the parade route. Luckily, in the end, we still had Santa Claus who in true fashion, put a smile on everyone’s face.