Thankfully there were plenty of: marching bands, floats, majorettes, choirs, people dressed up...and thousands of spectators. It's for kids, of course, but that didn't stop adults (and Hannah) pushing forward to grab the candy canes and chocolates that were being handed out.
The only confusing bit was when a float came past with a stable on top full of shepherds, kings, and what looked like a mother and father with a baby. What's that all about?
Right on time, and right next to our apartment.
Although perhaps we should have arrived a little earlier.
A truck with a massive face on! Amazing.
Pete, getting into the Christmas spirit. One day I'll get a pic of him smiling again.
They were big on their bagpipes - this was the first of several troops.
Ah, the Mounties! Gotta have them.
An emergency vehicle from Vancouver airport. Not so essential.
The Vancouver fire service does not own the most up-to-date equipment.
A six-foot gingerbread man with a fixed grin and empty eyes.
First tranche of majorettes.
Cowgirls on horses with glittery hooves.
And behind every great horse display is a man with a shovel.
Purdy's is our local chocolate maker. You know what they say about Purdy's? It's purdy good. (The apartment manager told me that one - it only works with an American accent.)
I have no idea who or what this is.
We may have left the USA but we're still close by, and it seems "Toddlers & Tiaras" has infected its northerly neighbour. Could we get some more pink here please?
Vancouver Aquarium were very cool - I want one (to wear into Pete's room on Christmas morning!)
Pete will be attending Burnaby North school, because they don't just have a marching band, they have a viking marching band.
An inflatable Christmas tree, with handler.
What's a Middle Eastern animal shelter got to do with Christmas?
It was all a bit overwhelming for one of us.
First came Santa's little helpers...
...then Santa himself! Hannah ate a reindeer on her last trip to northern British Columbia. It's true! She did not gain the power of flight.
Santa, snow, elves, corporate sponsorship. It's Christmastime!
