IT WAS a case of ‘better watch out’ in Wexford on Saturday last for the crowds which thronged the Main Street, Bullring, Anne Street and Quayfront in heady anticipation: Santa Claus was coming to town.
All hoping to not be on this year’s ‘naughty’ list, the young and young-at-heart alike gathered to ring in the festivities and welcome the big man’s arrival as part of a spectacular parade cortege.
Santa, Mrs Claus and a band of merry elves travelled in style down Wexford’s main thoroughfare, delighting all around.
Jack Frost and his icy cronies fought to cast a spell of doom over the town and its people, but, despite their best protestations, they were firmly given the boot by all awaiting a season of warmth and merriment.
Members of Wexford Pantomime Society guided Santa’s sleigh through town, resplendent in the Beauty and the Beast gear they will flaunt on the Dun Mhuire stage in January’s keenly-awaited pantomime.
Characters courtesy of the esteemed local street theatre group Buí Bolg wowed with colourful costumes and Christmas cheer as the brightly-attired Bloco Garman samba players drum-rolled all the way to the big switch-on.
Now a firm fixture on the town’s festive calendar, the Winterland parade, as with the festive lights and Christmas trees, is presented by the Wexford Retail Group and Zurich Insurance.
Master of Ceremonies Alan Corcoran had a duel on his hands as Santa and Jack Frost bounded up onto the quayfront stage in determined fashion, although there was never any contest in the minds of the kids watching on.
Mayor Cllr. Frank Staples praised the endeavours of all who had helped to make this year’s Christmas parade the joyous spectacle it was.
Encouraging everyone to enjoy the time of year locally, he proclaimed that Wexford had the best shops, hotels, restaurants and more around.
CEO of Wexford Chamber, Madeleine Quirke, was next to speak.
As suspense grew in anticipation of the switch-on, she echoed the sentiments and called on people to shop local and support local enterprises to help secure jobs in Wexford, especially at this time of year.
There was little left to be done then, only for the town to be illuminated and the festivities to officially begin.
Read more in the Wexford Echo.