Look ‘Inside Santa’s Workshop’ At Winslow Christmas Parade

By Sam Conner
   The 62nd annual Winslow Christmas Parade will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22. The parade is the longest continually held such event in Northern Arizona and was begun by the Winslow Chamber of Commerce to kick off the holiday shopping time. The theme of the 2008 parade will be “Inside Santa’s Workshop,” and the grand marshal of this year’s event will be Winslow Police Chief Steve Garnett. The parade will start on First Street.
   Native American groups such as dancers are usually a prominent and popular segment of the parade. Already signed up are the Cedar Creek Apache Crown Dancers, Miss Greasewood and the Homolovi Dance Group. Other such groups are expected, as well as groups from high schools and other schools on the reservation.
   High schools and junior high schools usually have bands and other groups entered. Already entered are the Winslow High School and Hopi High School bands, and the Rim Country Junior High School band. The Winslow Stars group is also entered, and will provide interesting entertainment.
   One of the most popular groups in many parades has been the Shriners group that provides entertain-ment and treats for children of all ages. That group and a similar tractor group are already entered, as is a group from the Arizona Department of Corrections.
   Many who attend the parade also enjoy the offerings of vendors along the parade route. As is usually the case, all vending fees for the parade have been waived. If this parade follows the experience of most years, there will be an abundance of merchandise available, some of it at very reasonable prices. Jewelry, clothing, toys and food seem to be the most frequent offerings, but not the only ones.
   While vendors’ fees have been waived, persons selling food at the parade must have food handlers’ permits issued by the Navajo County Health Department. Those are not difficult to get, and may be ob-tained at the department’s Third Street office in Winslow or at the department’s office at 117 E. Buffalo St. in Holbrook. There may be a fee for the permit. More information may be obtained by calling the Holbrook office at (928) 524-4750.
   A representative of the Navajo County Health Department will visit booths selling food at the parade to inspect them and get permits from applicants who have not yet returned them. Booths that do not have a proper permit will be closed.
   No locations are assigned, so persons wishing to set up booths may select their locations on a first come, first served basis. Vendors who set up in front of an existing business are advised to obtain the per-mission of that business, as some merchants may have already agreed to allow another vendor use that space.