Santa and his reindeer are back in town

Dec 14 2011 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

HUNDREDS of people flocked to Strathaven town centre on Sunday for the annual parade of Santa and his reindeer.

The town was a hive of activity with not only the chance to see Santa but to enjoy a bustling Christmas market plying their wares alongside the businesses of the town.

With the reindeers corralled in Allison Green prior to being hitched to Santa’s sleigh, children, and grown-ups, too, had the chance to see them at close quarters.

They also had the chance to visit Santa in his grotto or post their letters to Santa in his special postbox.

Hundreds lined the streets for the parade, which also saw local schoolchildren entertaining the crowds by singing their favourite carols.

There were plenty of activities to keep everyone enthralled for the afternoon, including the ever-popular bouncy castle.

Strathaven was also a busy place on Saturday with a range of activities on offer.

Lanarkshire Farmers’ Market was back in Sainsbury’s car park with lots of festive treats on offer.

The Town Mill hosted an art and photography exhibition with original art works, limited editions, open editions, gifts and jewellery on sale.

Wester Overton Primary School hosted their Christmas Bazaar with lots of stalls offering Christmas bargains and another opportunity to meet Santa in his magical grotto which was wonderfully designed and constructed by the school’s Parent Council.

This week the school are holding their children’s Christmas parties and tomorrow (Thursday), December 15, parents, family and friends are invited along to the school at 10am for the annual nativity service.

This year the infant department are performing their own interpretation of the age-old story entitled The Prickly Hay.

This will be followed at 11am by Silent Night, a Christmas service with performances from primaries four to seven. A collection will be taken for St Andrew’s Hospice.

School closes for the Christmas holidays at 2.30pm next Wednesday, December 21.