16th annual Horseshoe Cove Christmas Parade sets record

BRADENTON -- A record 58 carts delighted many with their lights and creativity Thursday during the 16th Annual Horseshoe Cove Christmas Golf Cart Parade at the RV resort park, 5100 60th St. E., Bradenton.

The parade, the first installment of a three-day event continuing Saturday and ending Monday, was followed by a party on the park's private island.

Dick Verzone, who has lived 22 years in Horseshoe Cove, founded the golf cart parade.

"We've come from a three-wheeler to 58 carts. As you can see, they're pretty elaborate and they're all built by residents here," he said, pointing at several carts dripping in colorful lights.

Residents of Horseshoe Cove RV Resort drove around in decked-out golf carts. Some carts -- and the people driving them -- were unrecognizable for good reason.

There was Santa, his wife, Mrs. Claus, several elves and wooden soldiers. Even the Grinch lurked around.

There were carts disguised as a gingerbread house, a John Deere tractor and even one hidden under a 15-foot, hollow Christmas tree.

Verzone said the park has collected 10 floats over the years and he credited fellow resident Jim Loving (whom he calls the "wagon master") and others for putting in hard work on the parade.

In a golf cart topped with an inflatable lighted Santa and lined with multicolored lights, 77-year-old Barbara Huck sat beside her friend, Gwen Janiga, 78. On Huck's lap was Janiga's 8-year-old cockapoo named GG.

Huck said she didn't help much with the cart this year because she tires easily but she thought the turnout was wonderful.

"I think they're all great," she said of the other carts. "It's hard to believe that old people can be, you know, so handy and..."

"Creative," Janiga jumped in. "This is the biggest turnout I've ever seen."

John Emond, 72, is this year's Santa Claus.

"It's a thrill," said the retired insurance and investments broker. "My wife and I both do it and we thoroughly enjoy it."

Emond's wife, Millie Emond, was dressed as Mrs. Claus complete with a long dress and a mop hat.

The Horseshoe Cove Christmas Golf Cart Parade continues at 6 p.m. Saturday. Residents will drive golf carts across Caruso Road to Pleasant Mobile Home Park. At 6 p.m. Monday they will visit Westminds Mobile Home Park and Windmill Manor Mobile Home Park followed by a party in their hall.

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter @AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published December 19, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "16th annual Horseshoe Cove Christmas Parade sets record."