'Twas The Night of The Parade

'Twas the night of the Parade, when all through the Town,
The creatures were stirring, even the clowns;
The banners were hung along the streets with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The Committee were dressed in their hats of red,
While nightmares of candy canes danced in their heads;
And Miriam & Jay with their cameras in hand,
Were preparing to take pictures of the floats and the bands,

When out at the High School there arose such a clatter,
We sprang to attention to see what was the matter.
In came the participants all in a row,
Two at a time with their floats in tow.

The sun started setting in the western sky,
Making everything magical to the public eye.
When, what to our wondering eyes should appear;
But a miniature sleigh, and nine tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
We knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
Quicker than Bradford Eagles his reindeer they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called us by name;

"Now, James! Now, Chuck! Now, Marvin and Bill!
There’s Jennifer! And Liz! And Gord and Jill!
Down at the Centre with pizzas to go,
Is Sylvia Luxton with Good Neighbors in tow?

There’s Cathy & Lorie, the kids and Joanne,
All standing in costumes, candy canes in hand!
So with the sound of the horns and sirens a blazing,
The parade started off and it was truly amazing!

With a spring in their step they went with a bound,
Heading straight down through the middle of town.
As the end of the parade started to draw near,
Everyone kept looking to spot Santa's deer.

At last it was time and the call went out,
It was time for Santa so give a shout.
So Joe revved the engine of the big Town truck,
And hoped and prayed that he wouldn't get stuck!

So with hands pressed together, eyes raised to the sky,
David whispered a prayer, then had to fly.
Down the parade route they slowly came,
As Santa waved and greeted the kids by name.

At last it was done, the roads were all clear,

Merry Christmas to all, same time next year?