Despite the light rain, which lessened and then disappeared before the parade ended, turnout was fine and spirits were bright for Chuy’s parade today, collecting toys to benefit Operation Blue Santa.

We found the Austin Public Library Bibliophile Book Cart Drill Team to be particularly amusing, with those revolving lectern headpieces. We love the musical entries in the parade; some were Austin Girls’ Choir, a marching band from the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, ESPADA pipe & drum corps, a lion and dragon dance team accompanied by drummers, Los Texas Wranglers, Franksten High School marching band, the Biscuit Brothers, Janie Balderas, St. Michael’s school band, and our local favorites, the Travis High School marching band.

Shown here is the polar bear balloon; others were a muppet, a smurf, and a reindeer; view these and additional images from the parade, as well as unedited videos. Anyone who missed the parade may still donate on line to Operation Blue Santa or donate at the December 1 event on South Congress, where you may have your picture taken in the human snow globe. Operation Blue Santa needs everyone’s help.