INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Despite clouds that threatened rain, thousands of people flocked to the streets of Vero Beach and Sebastian to welcome Santa Claus and ring in the holiday season.
More than 1,000 people attended the Vero Beach parade, taking in approximately 50 festively lit floats.
Though it started to rain at the beginning of the parade, the weather broke less than 10 minutes in.
In Sebastian, there was no threat of rain – but gusty winds did knock over empty camp chairs as parade-goers rose from their seats to cheer the American flag at the start.
The GFWC Junior Womans Club Marching Band played “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as Santa and the Mrs. rode behind them in their reindeer-pulled sleigh.
Santa entertained well over 100 children in his cottage at Riverview Park following the parade, giving children a chance to tell him what they wish to have under their Christmas tree.
Staff photographer Phil Sunkel contributed to this report.
