Photo Essay: Grandin Christmas Parade

Fetching flutists from Woodrow Wilson Junior High band.

Captain America is Checka Brindle, 7.

Some clowns have better smiles than others.

The butterfly baby is with Mysticon, a sci-fi outfit.

Earth mama represents Local Roots Cafe.

My pals Jim and Lucy Lee.

Miss Roanoke Valley Teen Queen 2013.

The mouse: You know him.

More Mysticon, an interesting collection of characters.

Mysticon, the whole group (look at those costumes; even sneaked Santa in).

Kid gets some brownie points.

Another Woodrow Wilson Jr. High horn player. This was a very good band, considering the age of the kids.

The real Santa (actually, the "real" one is me) on his fire truck.

My buddy Gracie and her mama Tammy.

Jeff, Charisse and those wild viking kids (including Maddie in the red cape).

The thoroughly charming Grandin Village Christmas Parade was held this morning to kick off the Christmas season officially, as far as I'm concerned. Who cares if it's nearly a week before Thanksgiving? The day was beautiful, the crowd big and enthusiastic and the parade long and heavily involved with the neighborhood. Here's some of what my camera and I saw.