Since “The Grinch” (and COVID) stole last year’s Blue Jay Christmas parade, there was none. However, for this year’s 42nd annual Blue Jay Christmas parade, the 40 businesses and organizations that participated were only too glad to reinstate what has been said to be the nation’s shortest Christmas parade (about one-quarter
mile long).

Unlike other years, when there was frigid, or even snowy, weather, this year’s moderate temperatures and blue sky were very accommodating.

There were groups of veterans from American Legion Post 360 and the VFW Post 9624. The Rim Blue Star Moms marched in honor of their sons and daughters who are currently serving in the military.

Local organizations like the Rim of the World Historical Society, the Rim of the World Educational Foundation, the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club, the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club and the sheriff’s Search and Rescue team participated.

Music was provided by the Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps as well as a band comprised of both Rim High’s marching band and Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School’s band, marching together in the parade for the first time.

The Grinch put in an appearance, of course, as did both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Students from Victory Tae Kwan Do stopped in front of the judges and performed amazing feats of physical agility.

The high school’s cheerleaders marched with the football team and then performed cheers and stacked 13 cheerleaders three levels high.

At last the crowd was able to greet this year’s grand marshals – Bill and Michelle Johnson of SkyPark at Santa’s Village – riding in a car that had been part of an original ride at the park. They were accompanied by many of the Northwoods characters from SkyPark.

Next, the moment everyone was waiting for: That jolly old elf, Santa Claus, rolled past the crowd in a carriage pulled by two white horses. They were followed by Smoky Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, Captain Cal from Cal Fire and Rim Special Athletes.

Several engines from the San Bernardino County Fire Department brought the parade to an end.

Brian and Samantha, who traveled from Corona to visit their vacation cabin in Rimforest, said they were really impressed by what they had seen for the first time, especially the Tae Kwan Do kids. Their 10-year-old son, Jonathan, added, “It was really cool.”

Following the parade, awards were given out by the judges in several categories. Best Theme was awarded to “King Elvis the Santa Grinch,” Best Performance to Victory Tae Kwon Do, Most Humorous to Bill’s Villager and the DJ’s Choice was awarded to the “drill team” from Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities and the Association of Building Contractors of the San Bernardino Mountains.

“I would like to thank the team for a fantastic parade,” said Linda Miller, owner of Bill’s Villager and co-chair of the parade. “Bill said it was the best one he has seen. We have been here for 41 years.”

Miller presented flowers to DJs Franky and Chad Hobart, thanking them for the thousands of volunteer hours they have put in over the past nine year, announcing the parade and contacting parade participants to get descriptions of their entries. Miller announced this will be the Hobarts last parade as they plan to spend time traveling.