The city streets were alive with the sounds of Christmas music Saturday afternoon with the annual running of the Downtown Penticton Association Santa Claus Parade.
About 1,000 people, mostly young ones, with parents were bundled up against the windy rain/snow in hopes that St. Nick would soon be there.
And he didn’t disappoint.
After public service agencies, clubs, organizations an elected official or two dispensing candy along the way, passed by it was the turn of the Mr. and Mrs to make their appearance.
The sleigh pulled up to the Lakeside Inn and Resort where the gentle pair disembarked to head inside to hear some requests from little ones about their Christmas wishes.
The front parking lot of the Lakeside was converted into an open-air market that included everything from maple candy ice sticks to pony rides.
Santa was there as well before heading up to the mustering point on Martin Street in time for the parade.
“They’re so excited I don’t think they even feel the cold they’re just so looking forward to seeing Santa tonight,” said Sharon Ingles, nodding in the direction of her three and five year’s, sitting on the sidewalk cuddled under an umbrella. “This is just something they look forward to so much and this is really the start of their Christmas. It’s just so much fun to watch them.
