The 36th Santa Claus parade was a big hit with the thousands of spectators coming out.

The parade kicked off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday Dec. 2 in downtown High River.

The frigid temperatures didn't allow the two marching bands, Calgary Round-Up Band and the Calgary Stetson Show Band, to appear but the dozens of parade entries filled the parade route to the delight of all.

Spectators were bundled up from head to toe, lots of children were waving light wands courtesy of Servus Credit Union, and kids were treated to bags of candy treats thanks to the countless volunteers who helped put the entire parade together.

The festivities started at 5:00 p.m. with Windmill Theatre Players singing Christmas carols on the main stage right across from George Lane Park where 'Light Up George Lane Park' happened at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Craig Snodgrass and his son flicking the switch.

The parade followed shortly after 6:30 and took about an hour to go through the parade route in downtown High River.

The Winter Market also opened the day at noon and went right until 9:00 p.m. and are once again open Saturday Dec. 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.