The Santa Claus Parade 2011 entertained the crowds downtown Kamloops on Saturday and delivered the star of the parade with enthusiasm. The parade bravely walked right into the cold winds and put on a great parade with lots of Christmas spirit and fun for all to see. The 31st annual Santa Claus Parade took an hour to pass by as the kids eagerly awaited for Santa to arrive. The theme for the parade this year was 'Celebrating Kamloops' and that they all did well. Sports, lifestyle and more were well represented with 76 entries.
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| Kamloops Pipe Band Society |
The Santa Claus Parade opens with the very impressive Kamloops Pipe Band Society who will be competing in Glasgow in 2012 for the World Pipe Band Championship. There are members who will teach the pipes or drums for those who may be interested in joining the band. What a wonderful way to represent and 'Celebrate Kamloops' in many events.
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| Kamloops Fire Department |
The Kamloops Fire Department was well represented with several of their big red trucks full of firemen and their families celebrating in the Santa Claus parade.With the theme being 'Celebrating Kamloops' it also allows the spectators a chance to applaud the great job our Fire Departments do all through the year, as they pass us by in the parade.
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| Kamloops Indian Band |
Team TK'emlups shows support for hockey in a big way while they ride the Kamloops Indian Band float along the parade route. They are not a hockey team but found a great way to 'Celebrate Kamloops', which is a great hockey town.
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| Peter and friends |
The winners of first place for the Elves Award went to the 12 Stones group for their colorful float with muppet-like characters singing from their cottage along with their friends showing how to 'Celebrate Kamloops', too.
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| Aberdeen Elementary School Band |
A large group of junior and senior students from the Aberdeen Elementary Band were putting on a great show of enthusiasm along with their teachers as they walked past our vantage point. With cheers and applaud on the parade route for them, we also give thanks to all the teachers who give their extra time to the kids and their activities, 'Celebrating Kamloops' and the teachers.
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| British Columbia Ambassadors |
Representing BC Ambassadors in the parade are Paris Sanesh, Miss Kamloops 2010 and Sarah Simon of Merritt. The British Columbia Ambassador Program is an annual event for 17-23 yr old men and women who have previously held a Royal or Ambassador title in BC. Candidates are awarded scholarships and burseries each year. The three winners are chosen to travel in BC promoting motivation, education and self-esteem.
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| Jo Berry and the Run Club |
The Run Club is led by the always highly energized founder, Jo Berry as they Celebrate Kamloops today. The Run Club participates in the Daily News Boogie giving everyone a chance to 'Celebrate Kamloops' with the great spirit that shows up on that day, too!
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| Santa and his helpers |
Santa's helpers were gathering up letters to Santa as he and his reindeer pass by all the families with the kids standing by waiting to see that special wave from Santa meant just for them.
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| Santa and his reindeer end the parade |
Santa and his helpers have lots of work to get done before the big day arrives so they wave goodbye to everyone after taking time out of their busy schedule to help 'Celebrate Kamloops'.
Now that Santa has been here, we can get serious about the Christmas season and the excitement, shopping, planning, concerts and entertainment begins. I think it makes a believer in all of us when we see Santa riding his sleigh to ring in the Christmas season in Kamloops.
Another job well done by Gay Pooler and the DBA showing how they Celebrate Kamloops and giving us another reason why we love Kamloops .
