When the organizers of the Bob Zeagler Holiday Man parade met on Facebook last week, they had no idea what to expect or who would show up.
One organizer, Courtney Dawson, moved here from Oklahoma after Zeagler passed away in November of 2016. She says she wanted to know more about the Holiday Man and why his legend still lives on in Genesee County.
After Co-organizer Jen Noon filled her in on what Bob, “Holiday Man” meant to the community and how he dressed up his car and himself for each and every holiday and spread cheer though out town, Dawson and Noon decided they would dress up their vehicles and drive around town to bring some Christmas cheer to those who are stuck inside.
“Bob was awesome, didn’t matter what holiday it was, he was decked out from head to toe,” says Noon, who was friends with Bob.
Co-organizer Danielle Nigro says she has a new appreciation for Bob after she built a board display for the top of her vehicle for today’s parade.
“I couldn’t figure out how to individually put things up, then my other half said lets just put a piece of wood up there and I can put things up there and make frames and screw it all down in. The figuring out the lights and having a power source, it took us 12 hours, we were up until 4 in the morning,” says Nigro.
About 12 decorated vehicles showed up at Ficarella’s parking lot on Liberty street. The group created their tour map based on the community’s requests. They also made sure to drive by all the assisted housing/nursing homes in Batavia.
“He just wanted to bring smiles to people’s faces and he is dearly missed in this town and I hope we can keep his legacy alive and do this for years to come,” says Noon.
The group’s last pass by was at Bob’s house, where his wife Bridget was out front, decked out in Bob’s Christmas outfit along with family.
“This would have thrilled him to no end,” says Bridget.
“I know he is up in heaven smiling down on everybody, and a big thank you for everybody doing this, this is just so wonderful.”
Bridget says she has not been in a Christmas mood the last few years since Bob passed away in 2016. This year is the first time she has put lights on her home.
“He enjoyed sharing his time with people, and he just loved children. This parade would have thrilled him to no end.”
