The weather outside was chilly, but far from frightful as the 7th annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade unofficially kicked off the holiday season in Vancouver on Sunday.
This year's parade boasts more than 60 marching bands, choirs, floats and community groups. Grand Marshalls John Furlong, VANOC CEO, and Mary McNeil, Minister of State for the Olympics, are being joined by hundreds of volunteers from the 2010 Games.
Since it started in 2004, the parade and its sister "Christmas in July" event have collected $85,000 and more than 60,000 lbs. of food for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
Spectators on Sunday are asked to bring along one of the following most-needed food bank items:
- Canned fish and meats
- Whole wheat pasta and rice
- Hearty soups and chili
- Peanut butter
- Pasta sauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Baby formula and diapers
The parade route runs along West Georgia St., turning south on Howe and ending at Davie St.
Organizers set up a lost and found behind the main stage at the Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square, located at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
To claim an item after the parade, phone 604-270-9200.
