Hurley drive-thru parade a hit

By MEGAN HUGHES

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Hurley — This year, many parades have had a new look due to social distancing concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. So, as organizers of Hurley’s inaugural Holiday Parade made plans for their first such event, they settled on a “reverse parade” for Saturday.

Floats, displays, and even Santa Claus himself were at a standstill, taking up stationary positions along the parade route through the industrial park — as parade-goers were the ones on the move, driving by each of the floats, taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday.

Some of those presenting floats included the White Thunderiders Snowmobile Club, HOPE animal shelter and the Hurley Fire Department.

Santa and Mrs. Claus joined in on the fun, but practiced social distancing. Instead of having kids hand them their Christmas lists, the jolly duo had a box that kids could drop their lists in. Also on scene was one of their elves, and even the Grinch himself.

“We did a rough estimate and had around 90 cars that came through” said Rita Franzoi, executive director of the Hurley Chamber of Commerce. “It was great to see people come through. The kids all had smiles on their faces.”

Franzoi was unsure if the chamber would consider hosting the parade like this in the future.

“It depends on how things turn out,” she said. “It was a little bit easier for the floats this way, the organizations didn’t have to worry about keeping things lit up and attached while in motion. ... I could definitely see it being something we could do in the future.”