Published: Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:48 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, December 30, 2011 at 11:48 p.m.
LAKELAND | Mother Time, serene in a snow globe, passed slowly through the nursing center, preceded by angels, rock-and-rollers, snowflake princesses and puppies small enough to fit into stockings.
If that wasn't enough, there were also three or four kings in a mobile manger, Cupid in the persona of little Alexus Sharp and pajama-clad people depicting "?Twas The Night Before Christmas." Ribbon confetti flew and songs were sung, including "We Are the World," performed by parade participants adorned in costumes and toting flags of different countries.
Close to 100 employees and related well-wishers marched as Valencia Hills Health and Rehab held its third annual New Year's Eve parade Friday morning. Among them were dietary aide Juanita Parrett, carrying a sign encouraging watchers to "Bring in the New Year with a Bang" and Wanda Ray, certified nursing assistant mentor, in a hot pink and black skirt combo, in the spirit of rock-and-roll.
"It's very competitive," said Valencia Marketing Director Grace Hardy. "None of the props you saw were here in the building so no one saw them until this morning."
The angels even hid themselves in a private room until the parade started at 10:30 a.m. Polk County's three hospices may compete for patients, but they banded together joyfully as the wing-clad Hospice Angels.
Children and residents who voted on the winners faced tough choices.
Rather than come down on the side of angels or the puppies, they gave the premier award and bragging rights to a team whose costume-clad marchers depicted the 12 months of the year.
"I told (one team) that was a dirty trick, bringing in the puppies," Administrator Mike Bradley said.
He wasn't too concerned, however, since he was on the winning 12-month calendar team.
Maybe if they'd let residents keep the puppies, which several asked to do, the vote might have gone differently.
As it was, the snow globe holding Mother Time (aka physical therapy assistant Charity Brown) was judged most creative.
"It's beautiful," said resident Shirley Watkins, watching with William, her husband of 54 years.
An off-the-wall entry, Santa in a Hawaiian shirt at a beach tiki hut, was judged funniest. And to think, most tales make it appear he spends every day except Dec. 24 and 25 working on delivery logistics.
For resident Earl Thomas, the choice was clear:
"I like that one the best," he said, pointing to the snowflake princesses.
Walter Allen was more diplomatic, murmuring "It was all nice" when asked what his favorites were.
[ Robin Williams Adams can be reached at robin.adams@theledger.com or 863-802-7558. Read her blog at robinsrx.blogs.theledger.com. Follow on Twitter @ledgerROBIN. ]
Source: http://www.theledger.com/article/20111230/news/111239952
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