European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 15, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                V focus its amps photos by Dave Didio a f a a pipe and drum band adds a bit of Britain to the Parade which featured a appearance by Santa. By Nancy Torner . Bureau bout 35 Parade units marched through the streets of Raf Alconbury England last week in Honor of this month s big Man on base Santa Claus. This was the second annual Christmas Parade at Alconbury. In testimony to the event s popularity participation More than doubled Over last year when Only about 15 Parade units participated said Dianna Taylor a civilian employee with the 10th comm operations so who spearheaded both parades. More than half of this year s Parade a Ici pants were base volunteers but there also was Strong support from local British organizations Ana businesses which donated various Parade units and costumes. Parade entries included the usual clowns cartoon characters and fire and civil engineering trucks As Well As an antique British Wagon drawn by Gigantic Shires horses and a British bagpipe and drum band. Other participants included various groups from Alconbury High school representatives from six Alconbury squadrons and of course Santa and his elves. Following the Parade Santa assumed a festively decorated seat provided for him at Burger King where he heard children s Christmas wishes. Santa will be returning to the restaurant for another visit sunday from 1 to a . All commanders and supervisors were encouraged to relieve base personnel from duties to watch the Parade said col. William Corbett 10th support croup commander. And ail students were released from classes to attend the event. Quot nobody wants to be the Crinch that stole Christmas Quot Corbett said. Quot and who does t love a Christmas Parade of Quot Corbett gave credit for the Parade to Taylor who single hand edly sought Parade entries and organized the event. Quot the important thing to note Here is that one person can really make a difference Quot he said. Taylor received a certificate last year commending her for exhibiting exemplary Alconbury spirit by organizing last year s Christmas Parade. The recognition was Nice she said but the driving Force behind her efforts has been a desire to make things seem less foreign for youngsters than she Felt they were during her first Christmas in England in 1991. Quot i cried All Christmas Day Quot Taylor said. Quot this Parade is for our children. To me one smile off of a baby s face is the Best gift anyone could give me for Christmas it s been a Joy Quot Taylor is not alone in her enthusiasm Quot people called me All during the summer asking me if i was going to do another Christmas Parade this year Quot she said. Members of the 10th Supply so decided to enter one of their Utility trucks in the Parade and volunteered their time to decorate it to look like a Reindeer. Quot the reason i decided to do it decorate the truck was to get in the spirit of Christmas and because it sounded like a lot of fun Quot said it. Jennifer Johnson with the 10th Supply so. Dianna Ray or in Parade wineries. Parade spectators were just As keen on the event As its participants were. Quot it the Parade builds the Christmas spirit Quot said tech sgt. Carl Allen with the 10th air base Wing. Quot it just adds a personal touch to All this military stuff especially for the dependents and the  Natalie Friend a family member said the Parade gave parents something special to participate in with their children. Quot i think it s Nice Quot she said. Master sgt. Suzanne Thompson with the 10th air base Wing said Quot when you re away from family and friends it the Parade brings the military family closer  Emily Weber 24, tries to Ward off the Chilly Breeze As she sits with her mom Joanne from Raf Mote Worth England a a Clown docs a Little dance As the Parade comes to a momentary Hall. The stars and stripes wednesday december 15,1993