Parade spreads hope at Passavant
ZELIENOPLE — The sights and sounds of Christmas filled the air as the Lutheran SeniorLife Passavant Community annual Abundant Lights Christmas parade made its way around the campus Saturday to the delight of residents and family members.
Executive Director Laura Roy led the scooter brigade with nearly two dozen other units, including golf carts, and floats decorated with a Christmas theme. Roy said residents and staff collaborated to organize the parade.
“The joyfulness of the day embodied the Christmas spirit. It was pure fun,” Roy said.
Local singer Debbie Wagner sang Christmas carols, while Passavant dietician Kali Ringold joined the parade dressed in a fox costume.
Retired pastor Susie Esseck and her Biewer Terrier, Zoe, made their way along the parade route in a scooter.
Residents joined in the fun, too. Maxine Gant walked in the parade dressed as a Christmas tree, and resident Frank Longobardi participated while dressed as Buddy the Elf.The parade also included floats with characters from Dr. Seuss' “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and the movie “Frozen.”Maintenance worker Brian Stuck drove his red antique Farmall tractor followed by a blue four-wheeler, pulling a sleigh with Santa Claus.Following the parade, the Passavant Community celebrated the memories of residents' family, friends and community members during the Abundant Lights Lantern ceremony.“Abundant Lights not only serves to remind us of those we love and cherish, it reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus Christ who is the light of the world,” Roy said.
