By Carol Mowdy Bond
Contributing Writer
“A Very Surrey Christmas” parade and celebration took place Saturday, December 19. Spurred into action by the COVID-19 problems, organizer Ceeja Malmkar said, “We’ve got to provide some Christmas fun for these kids.”
Beginning at 2 p.m., in the parking lot of the Golf Club at Surrey Hills, 11340 Surrey Hills Boulevard, about 10 vehicles paraded slowly through Surrey Hills streets. Children and families lined the streets to watch.
Lucas Malmkar, dressed as the Grinch, was in the parade’s lead car, with Christmas music playing loudly. And Grace Communion Surrey Hills pastor Joe Brannen, along with other church members Megan Brannen, Megan Urmie, and Nicole Payne dressed as the cast from “Frozen,” riding in a “Frozen” float. Others in the parade rode in golf carts decorated in Christmas style, or their vehicles.
Due to COVID-19, the Christmas party was retooled as an outside drive-by party in the Golf Club at Surrey Hills parking lot from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ceeja said, “140 people gave an RSVP for the party.” The Grinch, the cast of “Frozen,” and Santa were in the parking lot to see during the party. Or people could get out of their vehicles for a parking-lot-style photo op with any of the characters.
The group scuttled plans for the hot cocoa bar due to the pandemic. Instead, families could drive through the parking lot and pick up individually wrapped cookies, provided by A Latte Love Coffee House, which has a food truck, and also a brick-and-mortar location at 91 Monroe Avenue in Piedmont. Other sponsors for the free event included Grace Communion Surrey Hills, and numerous Surrey Hills residents.
Meanwhile, the entrance to Surrey Hills was decked out for Christmas, thanks to Surrey Hills Home and Garden Club volunteers.
Mary and Jim Garrett decorated the well-known Surrey Hills metal surrey, horse, people, and sign at the Surrey Hills entrance on the corner of Surrey Hills Boulevard and Northwest Expressway. And this year, the Garretts added masks to the people’s faces, in COVID-19 style.
The historian for the club, Mary said, “Nancy Apha made the wreath that goes around the horse’s neck.”
To connect with the Surrey Hills Home and Garden Club, go to their Facebook page Surrey Hills Home and Garden Club.
To connect with Ceeja Malmkar and the activities she plans, go to the Surrey Hills Neighbors Facebook page.
