TIMEHRI - Gifts? Check. Candies? Check. Santa and his sleigh? Check. The key ingredients for a spectacular Santa parade and for over three and a half hours on Friday, December 20, 2013 children of all ages were treated by Santa and his many helpers courtesy of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
It is the third year that the airport’s staff has pulled off the family oriented event.
The fun-filled parade kicked off from Kaylee’s Gas station, Coverden and made its way to CJIA’s cricket ground, Timehri. Over 1,000 gifts were handed out as well as a wide assortment of candies and Santa hats.
Two Santa Clauses “turned up” for the occasion. While onewas perched on his sleigh surrounded by his helpers, the other showed off his dancing moves along the route and even enquired from children if they were naughty or nice.
Prior to the parade, one of the Santas and his beautiful sidekick Mrs. Clause distributed gifts, candies and Santa hats to children in the Timehri North area.
Ramesh Ghir, CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was impressed with the euphoric atmosphere.
“It was a gratifying experience. It is priceless to see children glowing when they see Santa and his helpers on the sleigh. The gifts, sweets, cakes and hats were an added bonus for them,” he said.
Meanwhile, over 500 plus children, many accompanied by their parents, converged at the junction of the Timehri Police Station anxiously awaiting their treats. According to Mr. Ghir, the planning committee had not anticipated such large turnout at every street corner along the roadway.
A mini concert was held at the ground with some of CJIA’s staff revealing their “hidden” talents including singing, dancing and poetry reading. One of country’s upcoming artistes, Jovinski, wrapped up the evening’s event in song.
Candy Corner, Thrill Drinks, Roti Hut, New Timehri Handling Service, Digicel, Shawnee Service Station, Deokie Gas Station, Basheer and Sons Trucking Service, Loncke Variety Store, Chico Sweets and Kaylee’s Gas Station made the event a “rocking success”.
The airport’s CEO also commended his hard working staff, many of whom remained after working hours, to wrap the copious amounts of gifts.