By LEONARD GRAY Staff Reporter

NORCO – The third annual Norco Christmas Parade, rolled Sunday to clear skies, an enthusiastic crowd and plenty of fun. The 2003 parade theme was “Dreaming of a Red, White and Blue Christmas.”

George Andry, 81, and his wife, Peggy, served as grand marshals.

Parade organizer Stephen Weber thanked the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, parish Department of Public Works, School Board Member Jay Robicheaux, Gil Schmidt, Barry Matherne and Parish President Albert Laque.

This year’s parade featured 85 entries, including marching bands from Destrehan and Riverside high schools, floats, antique cars, dance school squads, festival queens, horses, New Orleans Zephyrs mascots Boudreaux and Clothilde, and Santa Claus. “The kids get so pumped when they see Santa,” Weber said.

Santa and Mrs. Claus landed by helicopter atop the levee at Apple Street to kick off the afternoon’s activities, courtesy of MYU Helicopters. After the parade, they greeted children and posed for photographs.