Santa Claus made an early stop in Maple Ridge at the annual Christmas in the Park and Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 6, 2008.  Christmas in the Park occured from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in Memorial Peace Park and included a dazzling display of lights and music, community carols and a free photo session with Santa.  The parade started at 6PM and had lasted for about an hour and a half.

It was very different for us as it was our first Christmas in Vancouver. The weird part was that it rained. It's like your house decorated with Christmas lights etc. and the lawn is green:) Funny but I like it.

My family had started watching it without me as I was out with a buyer making an offer. I have joined them and a couple of our friends later. The parade usually takes place on Dewdney Trunk Road and luckily enough RE/MAX office happens to be right there. So we had free parking, coffee, candy canes and most importantly dry and warm spot inside:)

The parade consisted mostly of local businesses and kids clubs. I was told that it's not as beautiful as Vancouver's parade but still it is nice. Hey, you don't have to drive anywhere, you get to support your local businesses and you can get a spot to watch it. So, I liked it. Never mind, it was the first Santa Claus Parade I ever saw in my life. I believe Calgary has none.

So if you are thinking about going to one next year do not hesitate, just go. Do not forget to drop by the RE/MAX office as we have free candy canes for everybody:) I'll be there for sure.