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

Despite some cool and wet weather, Santa Claus made a visit to St. John's Sunday for the annual downtown Christmas parade.

Downtown St. John's, the group behind the organization of the parade, saidtens of thousands of spectators wereexpected,along with about 100 parade entries and 5,000 participants.

The parade began at noon from the Fort William Building on Factory Lane and proceeded west on Duckworth Street, down Prescott Street and west along Water Street, ending at Springdale Street.

The parade routefeatureda new sensory friendly zone set up by the Autism Society along Water Street, between Adelaide and Queen Streets.

"The feedback we received is all really positive," saidSarah White, the family and community support officer for the Autism Society.

White added that the Autism Society is planning to build on this year's success and is asking the public to call the organization's office with suggestions on things to change or things to add for next year.

Linda Nicklassenattended Sunday's parade with her three children, all of which have developmental issues, she said.

Nicklassen praised the Autism Society's effort for making the annual parade inclusive.

"It's amazing to be able to take them and not have them worry about the noise," she told CBC News.

Nicklassen's youngest child had a difficult time dealing with the noise duringprevious parades.Nicklassensaid her son would close his eyes and cover his ears to fall asleep, and would always miss the parade.

This year was different for the family.

"This is going to be his first year that he's going to be able to experience it fully and see everything," she said, shortly before Sunday's parade kicked off.

"I think it's amazing."

Cold day, warm spirits

Many people braved the cold to wait on the sidewalks snakingthrough downtown to watch for their favourite floats and, of course, to get a glimpse of the big guy.

The annual Christmas parade is atradition for many families, and forJulia Curtis, Sunday marked her 28th parade in a row.

"It's one of our favourite traditions. It sets off the Christmas season right. It's fantastic. We love it every year," she said.

Others, such as Vaughan Kendall, brought their own chairs instead of standing, waiting with his family for Santa Clausto appear.

While Vaughan said he was "froze," he agreed that the weather on Sunday could have been a lot worse.

His daughter Brooklyn said she most excited forhot chocolate and hopefully some candy.

And what is she asking Mr. Clausfor for Christmas this year?

"A Lego car with everything on it."

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