It was the seventh annual launch of Christmas in E-Town and the locals were lovin' it.
You didn't have to live in Esquimalt, however, to enjoy last Tuesday's Celebration of Lights parade.
Kim Wellman came from Langford with son Kuper, 2, and her mother Laurie for the seasonal celebration.
"We hit up every parade this year, last year and the year before that," said Wellman, whose family has already taken in five holiday events, including Victoria's Santa Clause parade and the Truck Light parade.
"Go E-Town!" exclaimed a fellow passing out flyers for next weekend's Community Carol Sing at Esquimalt Memorial Park.
Intermittent rainfall didn't seem to bother Rebecca Winterwed and her daughters Mackenzie, 4, and Zoe, 19 months.
"I'm from Port Hardy," she said with a laugh. "If I didn't do stuff in the rain, I'd never do anything, ever."
Pat Leslie, 79, cruised up to Esquimalt Plaza in her motorized scooter. She was one of hundreds of spectators who lined Esquimalt Avenue to watch the parade that culminated with an outdoor celebration behind Archie Browning Sports Centre.
"I had to go to Country Grocer anyway so I might as well come to the parade," said the local grandmother.
The crowd cheered as the Organized Khaos Percussion Ensemble beat garbage cans, Dance Unlimited's black-clad performers danced by to the sounds of Feliz Navidad and colourful floats paraded into the parking lot.
They included a brightly lit Canada Post truck housing Santa's workshop, Hippo Tours' whimsical yellow-and-blue "bus that floats" and a vintage Victoria police cruiser, punctuated by brilliant bagpipe music by Canadian Scottish Army Cadets.
And of course Santa eventually arrived in a white Victoria Carriage tours horse and carriage.
Along the route, girls wearing red-and-green elf hats handed out pink ribbons from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers).
Celebrants later enjoyed hot chocolate and hot dogs dished up by Esquimalt Lions Club volunteers while jazz singer Maria Manna and pianist Tom Vickery performed Winter Wonderland as part of a festive entertainment program.
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, wearing a Santa hat, was in a holiday mood as she expressed her gratitude to the township's staffers and community volunteers who work "frantically" behind the scenes to create the seasonal magic.
"Our centennial year has really shown the community spirit we have in Esquimalt and we want to keep that going," she said.
"This is part of our legacy of moving forward."
Parks and Recreation director Scott Hartman described it as "a true grassroots collaboration" inspired by residents who are passionate about Christmas and love to spread the word about what it means to live in the close-knit community.
"Esquimalt's a great place to live, work and play, and this is another example of the value placed on community events."
Esquimalt councillor Meagan Brame said while the great turnout reflects its success, they're always looking for volunteers.
If you're interested, email her at meagan.brame@esquimalt council.ca.
