Santa Parade 1

We didn't think this would be that good.  We thought it would be a bit of a waste.  We arrived in the after work, weak sunshine and there were a fair few people there, many of whom were lounging in chairs they had brought with them and a fair few had the foresight to bring coolers.  As we waited outside, watching a whole lot of nothing happening, the kids stopped buying our "the parade will start any minute" line and started getting a little bored.  And, frankly, we agreed and thought the whole thing was a big mistake.  But then it did start.  In the twilight, floats upon floats rumbled past blaring passably seasonal tunes.  There were floats of very embarrassed people from local shops on floats casting samples of their wares into the crowds, there were countless troupes of what appeared to be synchronised hookers dancing, there were fairy tale floats with princesses (Schuyler thought this WAS Snow White and Belle come to visit our little island!), and finally, Big Mr. Claus himself.   The kids were rapt.  They sat on our shoulders, peered through people's legs, and were just thrilled - the feeling that can only be described as "glee".  There is something so infections about an unironic, complete commitment to joy and it just gave Christmas back to us.  Of course, Charlie's stomach slowly overcame his attention span for the floats and we braved our way across the street (like Frogger but with princesses and dance troupes) to munch on the muffins and popcorn Danjelini's had to offer.  A great night.

Par-la-ville Park


It was late and Charlie's stomach couldn't hold off... luckily Danjelini's was open late for muffins and yoghurt for hungry little boys.