Looking for Santa? He’s everywhere!

GUMBO STAFF REPORT

Fortunately for parents, finding Santa over the next few weeks is a lot easier than scoring a Wii game console.

December is the big guy’s month to shine and, around the Tri-parishes, he will do just that.

Here’s a roundup of activities where St. Nick is sure to stand out in the crowd.

Once Upon A Cajun Christmas Parade

Downtown Houma welcomes Papa Noel in style Dec. 5 with a 20-float Christmas parade right up Main Street.

Several bands, civic groups and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance.

After the parade, be sure to visit Courthouse Square for caroling and the annual lighting of Terrebonne Parish’s Christmas tree.

The parade kicks off from Terrebonne High School at 7 p.m.

Need more info? Call Ann Picou at (985) 873-6408.

Breakfast with Santa

You’ve got to be ready to get up pretty early in the morning to see Santa. There’s no better place to start than the Kiwanis Club of Houma’s 16th annual Pancake Breakfast Dec. 6.

From 7 to 11:30 a.m., you can eat all the pancakes and sausage your belly will hold and enjoy coffee or juice with Pere Noel at Vandebilt Catholic High School’s cafeteria.

The primary fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club, money from the breakfast helps sponsor Key Clubs at local high schools, according to event organizers.

Each year, about 700 to 800 youngsters turn out for the event.

Children can have their face painted or picture taken with Santa for a nominal fee.

Tickets are $6 at the door.

For more information, call Larry Frederick at (985) 879-3465.

Santa on the Bayou

If you miss the breakfast, don’t fret. There’s still plenty of sightings ahead.

From pancakes, St. Nick and his elves camper to Chauvin for the 10 a.m. launch of Santa on the Bayou Dec. 6. The water ride begins near St. Joseph’s Church and cruises 15 miles down Petit Caillou Bayou to Cocodrie.

The best part: Santa and his gang will be throwing fishing tackle to kids of all ages that line the bayou banks.

Want to know more about this parade? Call Houston Foret at (985) 594-2067.

Lockport Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Santa makes an appearance Dec. 6 at the Lockport Christmas Parade.

The parade rolls at 5:30 p.m. and takes the traditional route along Church and 8th streets in Downtown Lockport and culminates at Town Hall with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

For more information, contact Warren Vedros at (985) 532-3117.

St. Jules Christmas Bazaar

Santa boards a hayride at the St. Jules Christmas Bazaar Dec. 6 and 7.

The two-day event also includes food, treats and arts and crafts for sale on the St. Jules Church grounds in Franklin.

Santa will be on the grounds Dec. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the following day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also, a prize bingo is set for Dec. 7 beginning at 1 p.m.

For more information, call (337) 828-1714.

2008 Thibodaux Christmas Parade

Santa and his lovely misses will be among the revelers at the 2008 Thibodaux Christmas Parade Dec. 7.

Beginning at 4 p.m. at Nicholls State University’s stadium, the parade travels down Audubon Drive, turns left on Menard Street, right on Canal Boulevard and disbands at the Courthouse in Downtown Thibodaux.

The parade includes floats, cars and walking groups.

At City Hall, the festivities include Christmas music and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For more information about the parade, call the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, the event’s sponsor, at (985) 446-1187.

Patterson Christmas Parade

If you’re in Patterson, you can’t miss the Christmas Parade down Main Street. The 10-float event will include Santa, several high school bands and emergency response vehicles. The Knights of Columbus sponsor the family event.

The parade gets underway Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Place Norman Shopping Center and disbands at Patterson High School.

Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade

Sure, Santa does most of his traveling by air Christmas Eve, but until then, like any bayou boy, he enjoys a good boat ride.

On Dec. 20, youll see “Old Man Christmas” leading the way at the Ala Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade. Decorated boats set sail near the Bourg Fire Station around dusk and travel down the bayou to Montegut about a mile past Sacred Heart Church. Quite a sight to see, residents decorate their boats – large and small – in holiday attire. You can’t miss Santa during this parade; he’s leading the way.

For more information, call Mark Belanger at (985) 876-3230.

Children’s Christmas Parade

The Grand Caillou Fire Department will welcome St. Nick Dec. 20 at its Children’s Christmas Parade.

A fun family affair, the parade rolls at noon at the Bobtown Fire Department, heads down Grand Caillou Road to Buquet Bridge, turns onto Shrimper’s Row and to the Bobtown Bridge where it disbands.

Need more information, contact Johnny Duplantis at (985) 563-4112 or 665-2827.

With Santa’s big day just days away, he tries to limit appearances heading into Dec. 24.

Be sure to watch for him at your nearby mall or shopping center. And keep in mind, he’s still watching, so be good for goodness sake.

Looking for Santa? He’s everywhere!