Siesta Village welcomes Santa and the season

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Throngs gather for the holiday parade

Santa Claus and one of his ‘elves’ wave from a boat provided by Key Life Charters. Photo by Peter van Roekens

The dreary weather that dominated the Thanksgiving holiday cleared for Santa Claus and a parade of well-wishers as Siesta Village kicked off the holiday season on the evening of Nov. 25.

“Children” of all ages, brimming with the spirit of the season, gathered on the sides of the street to watch merrily adorned vehicles, floats, marching units and even county lifeguards on skateboards, leading up to Santa’s arrival by boat — in tow.

At Siesta Center, families waited in line so youngsters could whisper wishes to St. Nick. Beach Bazaar distributed gift bags to the first 250 youngsters who kept vigil.

Long-time Siesta resident Peter van Roekens graciously contributed photos of the event to The Sarasota News Leader.

Smiles are the order of the evening. Photo by Peter van Roekens
The Lobster Pot float puts the focus on Dr. Seuss’ Whoville. Photo by Peter van Roekens
A few ‘critters’ join people in making their way down Ocean Boulevard. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Save Our Siesta Sand 2 has one of the brightly adorned vehicles in the parade, and a helper tossing out treats for the children. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Sarasota County lifeguards use various conveyances as they participate in the parade. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Riders on the Siesta Key Oyster Bar entry wave to the crowd. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Siesta Key Association members once again appear on a vintage fire truck. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Members of the Blue Skye Pipes & Drums present sounds of the season. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Appropriately attired riders use a motorcycle as their vehicle of choice for the parade. Photo by Peter van Roekens
What would the parade be without Miss Siesta Key? Photo by Peter van Roekens
Young martial arts members of the Team Red Tiger taekwondo studio take to the street. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Another vehicle has even more seasonal adornment. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Members of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol always draw smiles from youngsters. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Gidget’s Coastal Provisions is represented by a float. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Grown-ups enjoy taking in all the festivities, too. Photo by Peter van Roekens
What’s a holiday event without a hug? Photo by Peter van Roekens
Families gather at Siesta Center, where Santa Claus holds court. Photo by Peter van Roekens
Santa and three youngsters smile for parents’ cameras. Photo by Peter van Roekens