The day of the Westport Santa Claus Parade began early for my in-laws. You see, my father-in-law is Santa Claus in these parts and his calendar fills up as the holiday season begins. He doesn't get paid for Santa appearances - it's all volunteer - which I think reflects his kind heart. Sometimes he's asked by local businesses if he can pop by for a moment and he does. He even makes home visits to those who are unable to make it to the parade as he did a few years ago with one little girl who had back surgery and couldn't walk. J's parents told me that last year she showed up at a Santa event and when J's dad saw her, he waved her over. She came up to him, gave him a big hug and they both began to cry.
Before the parade began, J's dad spent a few hours at a local nursery school where families brought their children for a morning of Christmas crafts and free photographs with Santa Claus. I can't tell you how awesome it was to see the excitement on the little ones faces when they saw Santa. My five year old niece, E., thinks she hit the jackpot to have Santa as her grandpa.
My mom came to the event, too, which meant alot to me as I hadn't seen her in over a year.
Now Westport is a small town. It's impossible to get lost there - and if you somehow manage to do that, no worries, there are plenty of little shops, bakeries and cafes on the handful of streets. The best butter tarts in the world are at Cottage Coffee. Anyhoo, back to the parade... There were three judges of the parade and an m.c. who seemed to know everyone.
The Santa Claus parade was led by a senior dressed all in red - including red socks, as you can see - riding a red scooter. How cute is he? He almost led the parade down the wrong street. Good thing the m.c. was paying attention.
Then came a giant green tank - and candy!
The local high school band performed on a float...
much to the enjoyment of the crowds. (That's J's grandma)
And there were several vintage cars. This was when I learned that the mc really does know everyone.
There were animals from a local farm and a shelter, including a llama. (Yes, I know that's a sheep in the photograph.)
The theme of this float was "No Room in the Inn" and as you can't see, most of the kids were dressed up as animals. My favourite float, by the way, was of the nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, shepherds - and someone's cat as baby Jesus in the manger.
Two of these musicians help run the local b&b and restaurant, The Cove. A few years back, they put together a Christmas cd featuring local musicians - and locals who they learned through word-of-mouth could actually sing!
The tinsel trim on the handmade angel costume brought back my own childhood memories of church and school Christmas concerts.
And finally, Santa arrived, waving to the children, pointing out the troublemakers in the crowds. J's mom is on the naughty list. The parade circled the town twice - I told you, Westport is small. That was a fun day.
