SANTA, SUNSHINE AND CANDY CANES GALORE IN GRAVENHURST THIS MORNING

GRAVENHURST — Great weather — and no snow — didn’t stop Santa from arriving on a gorgeous day today here in Gravenhurst.

St. Nick was in jolly spirits “Ho, hoing …,” and riding high down main street, the sun over his shoulders — his eight reindeer dancing and prancing over the pavement merry as care free as his fans waiting in anticipation of his annual arrival.

With dozens of floats passing ahead of him Santa cast his gaze upon hundreds of excited big and little kids lining Muskoka Road as far as his big eyes could see — and they could hear him coming.

This was one of the best weather days for his parade in years. The sun was shining making it feel much warmer than its 10 degrees.

And the crowds enjoyed and appreciated everything in sight — and of sound — beginning with the Bracebridge Legion Pipe Band, followed by the colourful and lively high-stepping tunes dozens Miss Wendy had her Just for Kids dancers choreographed to accompany.

Christmas trees and blow-up holiday character favourites filled the back of pickups and flat-beds with cars decorated in their festive best.

One that floated everyone’s boat had one water skier holding on for dear life and another trailing well behind — both wearing roller blades.

And candy canes galore were handed out by the bucket-full — sadly nary any chocolate.

A nice way to spend an hour downtown on a Saturday morning.

Santa’s next appearance is a night-light parade next Friday in Bracebridge — his summer Ho Ho Home.