The annual Hatteras Village Christmas Parade is always filled with holiday spirit and cheer, but this year, in spite of the very chilly weather, that spirit and cheer was more abundant than ever and felt by all that attended the event, which was the biggest to date!

When Hurricane Irene ripped through the island three-and-a-half months ago, many residents’ lives were interrupted and displaced. You couldn’t tell by looking at the happy and cheery faces of those that attended and participated in this year’s parade. The people of Hatteras Island are resilient, and the tight knit community became even closer after the events of the natural disaster.

The parade began at Teach’s Lair Marina at 2 p.m. The parade route continued through the village and ended at the Hatterasman Drive-In. There were fun floats, horses, bikes, fire trucks, marching bands, and, of course, Santa! After the parade, everyone was invited to the Civic Center for home-baked cookies and hot chocolate and to hear the announcement of the winning floats.

This year’s winners were:

Brownie Troop 1660 – Most Comical. ($250)
Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation – Most Creative ($250)
Creative Ballance (Dune Billy’s)- Most Comical ($250) The “Dune Billy’s” donated their winning to the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation.
CHS Senior Class ($50)- Kids 1
CHS Sophomore Class ($50) Kids 2

From all of us at Surf or Sound Realty, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

(The Hatteras Village Civic Association sponsors the annual Hatteras Village Christmas Parade, held this year on Sunday, Dec. 11, in Hatteras village.)