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Santa Claus visits St. John's for annual Christmas parade

Santa Claus made his annual appearance in the Downtown St. John's Christmas Parade Sunday.  (William Ping/CBC - image credit)
Santa Claus made his annual appearance in the Downtown St. John's Christmas Parade Sunday. (William Ping/CBC - image credit)

Excitement was in the air in downtown St. John's on Sunday for the annual Christmas parade.

Kids and parents lined the streets, some eagerly camped out in collapsible chairs hours ahead of time, reusable bags filled with donations for the food drive close at hand.

"We're going to wait for the Santa parade," said Quinn Graham, one of the many children who arrived on the parade route early. "It's going to happen."

A shopkeeper peeked out of his store and smiled at the gathering crowds, his ceramic mug of coffee steaming in the cold wind.

Cafes tripled their staff, all armed with extra hot chocolate mix for the special occasion.

Many new parents were returning to the event for the first time in years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the magic of the holiday made new for them through the eyes of their youngsters.

William Ping/CBC
William Ping/CBC

As the crowd grew ever larger, the familiar sights began; The dance troupes and drum lines, first responders and Beagle Paws. Gigantic radios, more than one Minion and an army of gingerbread men.

All leading up to the most important sighting of all: the Big Stick of bologna.

William Ping/CBC
William Ping/CBC

Of course, only the big man himself can outshine the Big Stick. Santa Claus greeted the thousands who came to see him as he travelled through downtown St. John's.

Children rushed to hand their messages for him to passing Canada Post workers.

A wide range of wishes are on the kids' lists this year.

"The new Pokemon game, " said Eric Brake. "15 Poke balls," added his younger brother, Isaac.

"An Apple pen and a new hoodie," said Oliver Murphy.

William Ping/CBC
William Ping/CBC

As for Quinn Graham, she said her list was too long to remember, though she did recall a couple prized items.

"Magical Mixies, the mini Magical Mixies and the big ones," said Graham. "A Lankybox Mystery Box, a new Lankybox SpongeBob. I have a lot."

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