Golf carts (hundreds of them) started lining up bright and early Thursday morning at the gate to the Polo Fields to enjoy The Villages Christmas Parade.

The gates opened at 9 a.m. for golf cars and they were directed to the designated parking areas around the one-third of a mile exercise track that circles the Polo Fields and pavilion. Signs were posted indicating that saving spots was not allowed, so the golf carts were lined up in the order they arrived. It was very organized and ran very smoothly.

A few residents in golf carts arrived with their pets, which were not allowed, and unfortunately had to be turned away after their long wait.  Soon golf carts were parked all the way around the entire exercise path around the Polo Fields. There was one section set aside for handicap parking for vehicles.

An honor guard led off The Villages Christmas Parade
An honor guard led off The Villages Christmas Parade.

Once parked out came the food and beverages, as the golf cart tailgating parties began for the next couple of hours. Many propped up the windshields on their golf cars to use as a table, while others brought tables, chairs and Christmas tablecloths for their spreads. You could see the ones who brought lots of food for their tailgating, sharing with the neighbors they just met who were parked beside them. Probably many new friendships were formed along the parade route during the two-to-three hour wait for the parade to start.

Mickey's Fanatics brought some fun the parade
Mickey’s Fanatics brought some fun the parade.

More than 30 clubs had entered this year’s Christmas Parade.  Just to name a few there were: The Dynamic Dog Club of The Villages, Villages Woodworkers Club, The Villages Precision Drill Team, Mickey’s Fanatics, The Villages Cheerleaders, Medical Marijuana Club, Prime Time Twirlers, Vietnam Veterans of America the Villages, Celebrate Differences and many more.

The Dynamic Dog Club brough festive pooches to the parade
The Dynamic Dog Club brought festive pooches to the parade.
The Medical Marijuana Club members marked in the parade
The Medical Marijuana Club members marched in the parade.
This golf cart was decorated in the spirit of the season
This golf cart was decorated in the spirit of the season.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived courtesy of a classic fire engine from The Villages Public Safety Department
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived courtesy of a classic fire engine operated by The Villages Public Safety Department.

As the honor guard led the parade along the route people stood in honor, then there were cheers and applause as the other 30 or so clubs passed by, some even playing Christmas music and giving out goodies to the people along the route. Bringing up the end of the parade was Mr. and Mrs. Santa aboard an antique firetruck from The Villages Public Safety Department.