Bob Crum

Ho ho ho!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Everywhere you go . . .
There's a tree on City Hall,
Holly on the poles and all. . .
Hoping they stay when the wind blows.

OK.. not quite a winter wonderland hereabouts, thank goodness. Black Friday and Cyber Monday came and went and some think that they began the 'season'. Wrong. It's not officially the Christmas season until Santa Claus comes to town.

Well, he's here! Hundreds of people–if not thousands–lined Central Avenue from Second Street to Main Street to welcome Santa's arrival last Saturday. Lacking sufficient white fluffy stuff (snow) he came into town on a Fillmore fire truck. Now 'tis officially the season!

Kudos to the Fillmore Lions Club for a splendid Christmas parade. So much to watch and enjoy. As a photojournalist, it's a potpourri of activity. Also challenging to photograph. Not knowing where any particular group will perform makes planning frivolous. Every photo is composed at the last moment. There is no redo. Miss it forget it and get ready for the next activity.

Like all photographers, I photograph parades from the sidelines... the side of the street depending on where the sun is in the sky. But upon looking at the photos afterward, I thought too ho hum. So, not long ago, starting with a July 4th parade, I decided to get as many photos as I could shooting from the “middle” of the street. Interesting but also a tad daunting. Though I didn't get it, I applied for hazardous-duty pay. But I digress.

I liked the results and so continue doing so as much as feasible. As hoped, it presents a different and interesting perspective. What I also hope is that while I risk limb and camera the photos take you into the parade while you lounge comfortably in your armchair.

The Fillmore High School band is a good example. Notice that I'm in the middle of the street as the flag girls passed by on each side of me. Then waited to get the photo of the drum major moving out of the way at the last moment. By the way, I never speak to any of the parade participants before a parade so they don't know what I might do. Everything is totally spontaneous. Scooting out of the way at the last moment, some parade watchers have told me that I've become part of the entertainment. Hmmm.

As Santa makes his way down the parade route, everyone is thrilled! At that moment, there's no one else in town more popular.

Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus took positions in the pagoda at the Historical Museum. There, they entertained a parade of youngsters. Photo ops galore! Of course all the kids were good all year so didn't hesitate to tell Santa what they hoped to see under the Christmas tree as parents intently listened. Some kids weren't sure about Santa and cried. A few slept through it all. Me? Yeah, I handed the jolly ole fella my list too. The kid in me made me do it. All the while, many kids were delighted to have their faces painted by members of the Artist Guild of Fillmore. What a treat!

Afterward, Santa left to attend festivities in Ventura... returning on a Fillmore & Western train pulled by the ever fascinating #14 steam engine. Then as the sun set and the moon rose, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at City Hall. What a day! Oh by golly, a jolly time was had by all!

Happy photoing. As always, send your questions, comments or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com.