LARC in the Santa Claus Parade

On short notice, the organizers of the London Santa Claus parade came to us for assistance with communications for this year’s parade. They were looking for 4 vehicles to actually drive in the parade to observe and interact with the organizers as required. One issue is any problem that stops one part of the parade, causing large gaps between some participating groups. In this case, they wanted a ham vehicle at the beginning of the parade to temporarily stop the entire parade, preventing the gaps.. 

One float did break down, and John MSV and Ruth RBO in the first vehicle behind the police car stopped the parade until the float was jump started.

About a third of the way through the parade were John FDV and Sharon SVX, keeping an eye on things, and waving at the crowds.

Mike UIQ was two thirds of the way along the parade, and is shown here right in front of the cameras that were recording the entire parade. ( recording is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCsIecoqF8k&t=4454s , skip to 1:17, about half way through the video to see actual parade.)

And at the end of the parade, one loud marching band ahead of Santa Claus, was Doug DAE. Naturally, all the kids wanted to jump out onto the road to see Santa’s approach, which made for some hectic driving, but no kids were run over.

Sounds like we’ll be invited back next year, and they’re grateful for our assistance. The parade is organized and coordinated by a group of 9 very busy people, and we’re glad to help.

- submitted by Doug Elliott  VA3DAE