The Shadow
Even Cheez Claus knows when it’s time to retire.
James “Cheez Claus” Smith, a fixture in Christmas parades throughout the Alleghany Highlands for the last quarter of a century, says the Covington Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, will be his last.
Cheez Claus will distribute toys and bicycles to the children at the Covington Christmas parade, then retire for a long overdue winter’s nap.
“I never thought the day would come when I?would say it’s time for Cheez Claus to retire, but after 25 years, a quarter of a century — and that’s a heckuva long time — I think the time has come,”?he said.
“It’s been so much fun seeing up close and personal the joy not only on the kids’ faces, but also the parents and grandparents as well,” our favorite jolly ol’ elf added.
Cheez Claus said 2019 has been a little slow, and he doesn’t have the inventory of toys he’s accumulated in years past to cover six parades.
But 2019 has been a rare exception. Cheez recalled giving out toys on a dune buggy when he first started, and his popularity soared to the point that he once led a one-man parade in downtown Hot Springs.
He even recalled an instance where a woman donated a junked car to him in hopes that her grandson would receive a bicycle. Of course, in typical Cheez fashion, the youngster had his wish answered when he received a new bike at the Iron Gate parade.
“I first started giving toys to the kids on the floats, or they would get left out,” he said. “Once the parade starts, we are tossing toys and handing out bikes from start to finish. You can’t imagine how many toys it takes to do just one parade.”
Cheez has even considered the logistics for his final parade appearance.
“My huge truck and extra-long trailer will be loaded with every toy that I have in my warehouse,” he said. “I’m planning on being at the back of the parade so as not to hold it up, but I don’t want to be behind any horses.”
So the Covington Christmas parade will double as Cheez Claus’ retirement parade.
“If you want a bike or toy from Cheez’s last parade, don’t miss out,” he said. “It’s going to be huge and it’s going to be fun.”
Cheez closed by thanking everyone who helped make his ministry a success for the last 25 years.
“I love you all,” he said.
On behalf of all the children throughout the Highlands whose Christmas you’ve brightened over the years, thanks, old friend, for your warm Christmas generosity.
We love you, too!
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James “Cheez Claus” Smith, a popular figure in Christmas parades throughout the area for the last 25 years, has announced his retirement. Cheez Claus says the Covington parade on Satuday, Dec. 7, will will also double as his retirement parade. Here, he is pictured in the 2017 Millboro Christmas parade. (Gavin Dressler Photo)
