Cary braves cold for annual parade

The people lining West Main Street Sunday for the Merry Cary Parade knew it was going to be bone chillingly cold, with temperatures in the teens and strong winds frequently ripping through the air.

So the spectators bundled up to watch the kickoff event for the village's 12th annual old-fashioned holiday celebration.

Diane and Chris Peters of Cary kept an insulated aluminum container filled with hot chocolate nearby and frequently sipped from it as the parade marched on. They also dressed their son Tyler, 6, in a snowsuit and suited themselves up in boots, hats, down coats and gloves.

"It's actually not so bad," Diane Peters said.

And if it got bad, the family had a plan B.

"The house is right up the street," Chris Peters said.

Susan Fairley of Lake in the Hills said the weather didn't bother her that much, in comparison to last year's parade when it was cold and raining. This year, Fairley said she only needed a few things to stay warm.

"About five layers of clothing, hot coffee and Christmas cheer," she said.

Others weren't so lucky. The ladies marching with the Spring Beach Steppers looked like they were freezing in earmuffs, flesh-colors stockings and short, red Santa costumes that had been fashioned into dresses.

So how were they staying warm?

"We're not!" one stepper yelled.

The Cary Grove Chamber of Commerce and village of Cary jointly puts on the Merry Cary event, which is funded by 60 local businesses.

Besides the parade, the day included holiday wagon rides, a children's train and walking carolers from Holy Cross Lutheran Church.