By Glenn Rolfe

DAGSBORO — A COVID-19 cancellation in 2020, the town’s Christmas parade returns this year Dec. 14.

Showtime is 7 p.m. for the event, which is expected to have numerous entries.

In addition to Santa Claus, the parade will feature the man of Steele — Dagsboro resident and former Indian River School District Superintendent Mark Steele, who will serve as grand marshal.

“I am honored — very, very honored — to be able to be the grand marshal. It’s an honor for me,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “If it’s cold, they can put me in the firetruck!”

Mr. Steele retired in June 2020 after 39 years in the school district. He was a teacher, coach and principal at Indian River High School before moving into IRSD’s administration, serving as assistant superintendent and then superintendent.

In announcing this year’s grand marshal, the town, via its Facebook page, stated, “We look forward to honoring Mr. Steele for his dedication and contribution to the education of our students for the past three plus decades.”

Dagsboro Mayor Brian Baull said Mr. Steele is the second member of the family to be honored as the town’s parade grand marshal. Older brother Ray Steele, another teacher and legendary coach at Indian River High, was honored following his retirement several years ago.

“The year that (Ray) retired we selected him as the grand marshal,” said Mayor Baull. “So here, a couple years later, his younger brother gets the honor to do it.”

The parade route remains the same as past years’. It starts at the back entrance of Indian River High, comes into town down Main Street and onto Clayton Street, ending at the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department.

Any individual or group interested in being part of the procession can call Town Hall at 302-732-3777 or email dagsborochristmasparade@gmail.com for an entry application.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, as well. Contact Mayor Baull at 302-604-8372 for more information.

If there is inclement weather Dec. 14, the parade will be held Dec. 15 at the same time.