The Oktoberfest Parade brought out the German spirit Tuesday afternoon in Spanish Springs Town Square.
Lee and Mary Lou Nauert of the Village of Winifred served as royalty for this year’s annual parade.
“Obviously, you can tell by our last name we’re German. We’re thrilled to be here. It’s a lot of fun,” Mary Lou Nauert said.
Watch video of this year’s parade:
Little four-year-old Annie Kutch pedaled a little wooden horse through the parade route that wound around the square.
The horse towed a wagon with a wooden make-believe keg of Beck’s beer. She was accompanied by Richard and Carol Laudolff of the Village of Polo Ridge. All three were dressed in German attire.
Lady Lake Mayor Ruth Kussard led off the parade, as is the tradition. She was followed on foot by Lady Lake Police Chief Chris McKinstry and candidate for Lake County sheriff, Peyton Grinnell.
The Villages High School Marching Band received a warm welcome from Villagers who lined the streets of Spanish Springs.
The Shriners riding motorized coolers are parade regulars and always bring out the laughs.
The Polka Lovers Club and the Schatzies from The German American club were among the groups that brought out German music and dress.
The Villages Twirlers and Drum Corps thundered into the square, also wearing German costume as they twirled their way through the square.
The Swinging Bavarians were another favorite of the crowd as women dressed in traditional German costumes roller skated around the town square.
Four years ago, The Villages had tried to do away with the parades. The Resident Parade Committee, made up of Italian, German and Irish clubs, banded together and fought to keep the parades alive. The club members do the vast majority of the work, acting as parade marshals, setting the lineup and providing plenty of volunteers. The next parade will be the Irish Parade in March.
