Last Friday, for the third year running, children of all ages were thrilled by Santa and his many helpers as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri’s staff staged the annual Santa parade and gift distribution.
A release from the CJIA corporation said that the family-oriented event lasted over three and a half hours after the fun-filled parade moved off from the assembly point – Kaylee’s Gas station, Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and made its way to CJIA’s cricket ground, Timehri.
Two Santa Clauses took part in the spectacular parade. One was perched on his sleigh surrounded by Mrs Clause and his helpers, while the other showed off his dance moves down the road in the parade, stopping at times to enquire from the children along the route whether they had been naughty or nice.
Prior to the parade, one of the Santas and his beautiful sidekick Mrs Clause distributed over 1,000 gifts, a wide assortment of candies and Santa hats to children from 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, had converged at the junction of the Timehri Police Station anxiously awaiting their treats. According to the CEO, the planning committee had not anticipated such large turnout at every street corner along the roadway.
A mini-concert was held at the cricket ground with some of CJIA’s staff revealing their “hidden” talents of singing, dancing and poetry reading. Jovinski, a young upcoming artiste, wrapped up the evening’s event with songs.
The airport’s CEO commended his hard working staff, many of whom had remained after working hours, to wrap the large amount of gifts.
He also thanked 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 whose contributions helped to make the event a success.
