It all happened so fast on Friday, July 31. Yes, there was a lot of Christmas spirit in downtown Hartford. Even Santa was in town, standing by The Exchange Building entrance at 10 a.m. The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Carroll and Event and Program Manager Barb Bielmeier were looking for one person, Gerry Schnorenberg. And they had a question for him.

"We would be honored if you would represent both the museum and Schnorenberg's Floor Covering to be our grand marshal of this year's annual Christmas Parade," said Bielmeier to a smiling Gerry Schnorenberg.

The Schnorenberg's Floor Covering President and Hartford's Museum 53027 President took a few steps back and was obviously honored.

"Wow, I guess I will accept but I'm going to accept it for all of the small business owners and all of the volunteers, organizations and community."

Schnorenberg followed-up with a practice wave, preparing for his role in Hartford's Christmas Parade. 

It was a wonderful moment, spreading some Christmas cheer on a summer day and honoring Gerry Schnorenberg, who reminded us what it's really about - community. He is Hartford's real Santa Claus and he makes our city a great place to live.

The 40th Hartford Christmas Parade is Saturday, November 14 at 3 p.m.