By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
This year’s annual Blue Jay Christmas parade, now in its 46th year, proved true to its theme: “There’s Magic in the Mountains.” Its quarter-mile-long parade route along Highway 189, in the mountain hamlet of Blue Jay, is reputedly the shortest parade route in the U.S.
Nearly 1,000 persons attended last Saturday’s annual Blue Jay Christmas Parade
The parade, organized by the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead, stepped off promptly at 2 p.m. following a brief flyover by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter, which circled overhead several times. This year’s parade grand marshals were Jamie and Steve Keefe, owners of Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty.
As usual, the first parade participant was “Uncle Sam,” pedaling his big wheel Penny Farthing bicycle, followed by the Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps, Rim Blue Star Moms, the Blue Jay parade Joy to the World group, Knights of Columbus, Mountains Community Hospital float, Rim Scots marching band, Rim Scots drill team, San Bernardino County Fire, Cal Fire, a vintage 1950s-era San Bernardino County Sheriff’s car, a series of current-day sheriff’s patrol vehicles, California Highway Patrol (CHP) patrol unit, Arrowhead Arts Association, the Rim of the World Historical Society’s historic 1951 Crestline Bus, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, Rim of the World, Special Athletes Foundation, Association of Building Contractors – San Bernardino Mountains, Mountain Bears Democratic Club and, last but not least, Santa riding in a white horse-drawn carriage.
This year’s Best Theme award was awarded to SkyPark at Santa’s Village. Mountain Fifes & Drums captured the Best Music Award, while the Best Humor” Award was presented to Uncle Sam and the Mistress of Ceremony’s award went to Jenine.
This year’s parade sponsors included Logan Construction, Brian Cohen and his Premier Properties Realty Firm, Jeannine Home Furnishings, Arrowhead Dental Arts, Coldwell Banker Realty, Blue Jay and Lake Arrowhead Union 76 Gas Stations, Burrtec Corp, Jensen’s Market and Arrowhead Lake Association.
Crestline residents Susan and Lily Dipple were encountered during the parade. Lily (R), who attends Valley of Enchantment Elementary School, said it was the second time she had seen the parade.
During the one-hour-long parade, the Alpine Mountaineer encountered Crestline residents Susan and Lily Diggle. Lily, who attends Valley of Enchantment Elementary School and is a member of the Arrowhead Arts program, said this is the second time she had seen the parade.
Ten-year-old Roan, who attends Lake Arrowhead Elementary School, said his favorite part of the parade was seeing the Rim High School football team.