. Starting Christmas

    So, I watched our local Santa Claus Parade last Saturday. Having lived in this little town for twelve years, I've become kind  of used to the events that mark the changing of the seasons. The Santa Claus Parade, as well as Jingle Bell Night, mark the beginning of the Christmas Season here in Paris, Ont.

     This year,  I was hired by the local B.I.A. as the official photographer for Jingle Bell Night. It was an interesting job. It was the first time that the B.I.A. had hired a photographer to capture the event. I asked if there was anything in particular that they wanted me to photograph. They said, "No. Just walk around with your camera and take some pictures."  That's one of the things I like about small town life. It's comfortable. I guess that I've developed enough of a reputation as the "local photographer" that they trust me to get some photos of whatever event comes along. No pressure. Just get some pictures. Yup. I can do that.                                                                                                                                                       

The Paris Firefighters do a Christmas Toy Drive every year and they were on hand with their vintage 1950.s fire truck

                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                            

   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                   

                                                                                                                
                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As I talked to the people downtown that night, I heard a little grumbling about the town Christmas tree not being up. The tree lighting ceremony is a traditional part of Jingle Bell Night. I talked to some of the local merchants and was told that there were some problems in getting the tree here on time, but, that it should be up in time for the Santa Claus Parade. 

     The Santa Claus Parade was the following weekend and I managed to get a few photos of that too.

My neighbour and her little boy enjoying the parade

The Big Guy himself at the end of the parade.

I guess that this will be my last post to the blog for this year. Like everyone else, I'll be busy shopping, decorating, cooking and just generally enjoying the hustle and bustle of this magical time of year. I'd like to take this  opportunity to thank all the friends who read and follow my meanderings on these pages. I'm not presenting anything of earth shattering importance here. Just the thoughts and adventures of a part-time, small town photographer. But if you like what you see, don't be afraid to leave a comment in the section below or "like" and share to your favourite media platform. It's your kindness and support that keeps me crankin' this stuff out.

     Oh, yeah, in case you're wondering.... They did get the town Christmas tree up before the Santa Claus parade.                                                                                                                

                               Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

                                                    ...more later,
                                                                
                                                              Gord