Here comes Santa Claus

Julia and I had the chance to go to the Santa Claus parade in Toronto, so we took it. Our friends Shelley and Celeste invited us to join them on the bus from Pickering College.  It was a no brainer - not a worry about driving or where to park, never mind the door to curb service. It was great.

We left a snowy Newmarket Sunday morning. Julia was delighted with our 3rd snowfall of the season - but this was the most substantial -- enough good packing snow to work on a snowman. She was inspired by the book Sara's Snowman and decided to craft her snowman with two oreos, a carrot and a gummy worm.

We got to our spot by the AGO about 11:30 - people were already staking out their spots.  And oh so prepared. Boys were playing street hockey on the closed off street, while other kids raced up and down the streets, and others chalked their letters to Santa on the street.

We had a wonderful spot right on the corner, just around from where the Global cameras were filming the event. The kids enjoyed their roadside picnic. The weather was good, windy and sunny - not one spec of snow to be seen.

Until the parade made its way past us at about 1 pm - and almost on cue, big fluffy snowflakes began to fall. The crowd cheered with glee at what seemed to be a well-timed special effect!

There were great bands: bagpipe (my fav), all brass, drum corps, even a flute band, and one made up of musicians and baton twirlers of Chinese descent. Bands from across Ontario and some from the US, all decked out in their festive finery, playing all the tunes of the season.

I loved the buddy with the sign, cuing the bands to play for the cameras.

And the floats -- some old faithfuls and some newcomers this year. My favourites were the gingerbread train and the Sound of Music float with the Toronto cast.  Julia liked Mr. Potato Head and the teddy bears.