Every year for over 100 years, Toronto has a Santa Clause parade. And it is no small affair that starts at Bloor and Christie streets and wends its way all through downtown Toronto to Front and Church – a good 10 kilometer hike through the “Queen City”. Such a parade needs a little help and thats what we have on show here – Santa Helpers getting ready:
Now it is 40 floats and bands and hundreds of costumed merry makers and clowns that comprise the band of helpers getting Santa’s parade going and we have pictures here of them getting ready to help Santa put on a cheery parade.And even though its is an hour before parade time one can see that Santa’s reindeer are anxious to get going:
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Waiting for the Parade
So without further to do lets see what is happening on the parade route – are the kids of all ages ready and waiting for Santa’s cheer?
Well it appears the kids of all ages know three things. First, arrive early to get those curbside seats. Many arrive at least an hour before the front of the parade will even come by:
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Second, bundle up for the cold. Santa parades have had snow and chilly winds in the past few years. And it was overcast and cool this time. But parade veterans showed their bundle up stuff:
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Third, Parade veterans know that waiting does not have to be dreary. So there is hockey, shop talk, word puzzles and chalk. Chalk ? Yep, the streets get a good coating of notes and pictures for Santa in a variety of colors:
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Now that we are ready and Santa’s helpers are ready – all we are waiting for is the parade and Santa.
The Parade!
And after a two days of solid work on over 300 images we have picked the best for you. First, there is the Mother Goose float which traditionally is at the start of the parade. Even on the the corner of the street one cannot help but admire the elegance of this float:
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As you can see above, its a chilly day and coats with hoods are essential. So too it always adds good cheer to see Frosty the Polar Bear with his bright red scarf and batting eyes as he wends his way along the parade route. Quite a few cameras snap to catch the big bear:
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What is a parade without a Marching band or three or twenty all told ? Bands add the elements of music with big brassy fun and cymbal clashes and flags atwirl all in marching precision. Its as much fun for the performers as it is for the spectators. Bands make a parade sing:
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There are, of course, a lot of kids watching the Parade; but there are also a lot of kids taking part in the Parade too. Some of the luckiest get to ride along with the Toyland float and the grins here show it:
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Well if the Toyland float has come through, followed by the Santa’s elves and helpers – it can only mean one thing – Santa and his reindeer are not too far behind. And sure enough, the pause for Santa Claus is no more:
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(C)JBSurveyer 2006