Holiday spirit in Harlem warms Christmas parade
Multicolored Santa hats filled the downtown streets of Harlem on Saturday at this year's annual holiday attraction.
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Aliyah Luke, 2, sits in Nickie Hampton's lap while they ride on a float in the Lion's Club Christmas parade in Harlem. Children also were able to take part in a breakfast with Santa Claus, and craft vendors lined the streets for the city's Christmas in the Heart of Downtown Harlem.
Photo by Quandra Collins
The event, dubbed Christmas in the Heart of Downtown Harlem, featured a breakfast with Santa event, sidewalk sales from vendors and area businesses, and the Lion's Club Christmas parade.
"I think this is a good place for the community to get together, share and fellowship with each other," Harlem Mayor Scott Dean said.
"The items (sold) at this craft festival are gifts from the heart."
Kathy Ham, the event's organizer and Industry, Trade and Tourism director, said organizing the festive bazaar is a continuous process.
"It's something I keep in my mind all year," she said. "I'm always looking for vendors. If I see something unique, I usually try to get it (for our festivals)."
Although the event is in its second year, Ham said she hopes it one day becomes as popular as another Harlem event - the Oliver Hardy Festival, which attracts international patrons to the comedian's birthplace each October..
Despite the day's 52 degree temperature, Sandra Smalley, of Augusta, said nothing would hinder her from attending the event.
"I love coming up here," she said as she clutched her hands together to keep warm. "I like coming here because of the crafts and the antiques. I like to shop."
Keith Axelson, of the Christian rock band The Wave, performs at the Christmas in the Heart of Downtown Harlem event Saturday.
Photo by Quandra Collins
Four-year-old Brianna Germany, of Harlem, who was bundled up in a pink jacket, said she didn't mind standing in the cold to watch the parade.
"I got to see the horses and Santa," she said with a smile. "I got candy, too!"