November 28th, 2016

This is what downtown Venice Island looks like now at night. In case you can't tell what that is it's Christmas Light wrapped palm tree trunks.  All up and down Venice Avenue is a multi-coloured fairyland fantasy of Christmas happiness.   Then they topped this by adding yet more lights to the lampposts.  My inner child is singing and dancing with joy.

In the midst of all this Christmassy goodness, on Saturday evening there was a parade.  According to the newspaper, there were over 3000 participants in this parade. There was something for everyone. There was even a ring of fire that kept reigniting to the delight of  the pyromaniacs in the crowd too.

The parade started with Santa of course with his illuminated reindeer.  But there were marchers with lighted hulahoops spinning and cars outlined with various colours.  There was a beautiful float from the Circus contingent that garnered ooo's and aaah's.  Big cat rescue pulled an 18 wheeler loaded up with really big cats who looked out at us with interest as we looked back at them.  Tiny dancers delighted their costumed way down the street and one of my favourites was the high school marching band. Not only was the music a wonderful addition but I loved that their instruments were wrapped in lights. There was a float of singers too.

 The streets were lined several rows deep with oglers.  In fact, to my amusement, they "marked" their spots days earlier by leaving the chairs, coolers, Santa hats etc  in their desired position. So walking along the streets we saw, what looked like, abandoned patio furniture for days. And the most astonishing thing, everyone respected those belongings and did not steal it, graffiti  tag it or even touch it. Wow! 

This Venice Island place is unique.  It was a long parade, about two hours long in fact. And while we had a great time, it was a long time to stand in one spot.

  I predict that we will go again next year. The only difference will be that next year, our chairs will be out there too, holding our spot for our best and most comfortable viewing. Maybe I'll wear a Santa hat too.