Jack Frost parade rewards big crowd with long line of fun

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood - Temperatures near 30 degrees beckoned an enthusiastic audience to line both sides of Aurora Street for Saturday night's Jack Frost Festival of Lights parade in Ironwood.

Frosty winds backed up the parade's dual themes of "Jack Frost" or "Christmastime," and Mr. Frost himself expended no end of energy in darting up and down the street to hand out candy to children. He was aptly garbed in a cool, sparkly, silver suit and ever-present smile.

Lights were everywhere, including street lamps bedecked with blue-lit wreaths and parade floats loaded with multicolored lights. Even some revelers in the crowd were wrapped in battery-operated bulbs.

One of the most colorful and packed floats was from the local Cub Scouts. It featured huge blow-up snowmen and was loaded with spirit and kids.

The popular snow shovel drill team engaged in a delightful routine, led by Mark Silver, who kept them in top form with gusty directions and praise. "Look at their precision!" he called playfully to the crowd.

Dale Hedman of Montreal said his grandson, Dominic Teige, was throwing candy from the Iron County 4-H Extension float. According to Hedman, "He was all wound up: 'I get to go on a float and throw candy!'"

Members of the JROTC and band from Luther L. Wright K-12 School also were a welcome presence, managing to march or play instruments despite the nippy weather.

Beth Bordner also sang hard from a float introducing the peppy Next Generation dancers, clad in red and black flannel. Dancers from Platinum Dance Studios and Ironwood Dance Studio also added to the fun with colorful and creative costumes.

Another cheerful sight were the many animals. Volunteers from Ironwood's Hope for Orphaned Pets Everywhere led dogs of all sizes, many of them decked out with holiday attire.

Large and little horses also trotted the route with direction from Barber Stables and Theresa Anderson.

Iron County's White Thunder Riders offered an imposing presence when they plowed down the street with snow-clearing equipment bedecked in lights.

Gogebic Range Trail Authority also made a statement by showcasing glossy snowmobiles and 4-wheelers as the ultimate holiday gifts.

Aspirus Ironwood, the Norrie Club and Woodland Church also had floats, as did several other area businesses.

"I think what really impressed me this year was that we had a lot of new people come and join," said chamber director Michael Meyer, who added there were 34 entries this year. He specifically praised Ben's Place of Ironwood, whose participants built a plywood structure, decorated as a gingerbread house and advertising "Hot Coffee."

Other business floats showcased Christmas trees, reindeer and various other December finery.

Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as that sneaky Grinch, also appeared amidst the stream.

In addition, vehicles from local and state law enforcement and emergency service personnel began and ended the parade.

Just before the parade, a Santa Dash of joggers, all in Santa suits, warmed up the anxious crowd by trotting up and down the street.

Main street businesses, many of which had display windows lit up with gorgeous Christmas trees and other decorations, invited shoppers awaiting the parade. Kids also had fun, both before and during the parade, by jumping into and sliding down a series of small snow piles lining the street.

The Ironwood Chamber of Commerce sponsored the parade, which was braced by several other accompanying events, including a Santa visit, a raffle, and a holiday movie and concert in the Historic Ironwood Theatre.

The winner of the $5,000 first prize in the chamber's festival raffle was Angela Stengard (group). The remaining eight winners, in order, were Jerry Synkelma, Phil Aho, Peter Burla, Gail Mlasko, Adele Vandenberg, Andrea Newby, Ton Tankka and Denise Jacquart.

Meyer said parade winners will be announced later. He credited chamber members Sam and Anne Davey for organizing the parade.