Gloucester was back to a life-sized Christmas and Holiday Parade after the pandemic forced last year’s parade to be a filmed virtual shoebox event. Near perfect weather prevailed Saturday, kicking off the first of two big holiday weekends in Gloucester and Mathews. Clockwise from top, left: Girl Scouts moved through the parade with smiles on their faces and massive cookies hanging from their necks; The Knights of the Gloucester Youth Football and Cheer League shared their Yuletide Cheer from their float; Finishing up the parade, Santa Claus traded in his sleigh to ride in the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad’s rescue boat (top photo); Gloucester County Public Schools Transportation took first place in the School Groups category thanks to its jolly elves and decorated school bus; The disciplined members of Gloucester High School NJROTC marched in the parade earning the applause of parade goers impressed by their dedication and composure. For more on the parade, including winn...