Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

frightful... The bad weather prompted a smaller turnout than usual at the annual Christmas in the Park, Santa Claus Parade, and BIA Christmas Market, but that didn't stop hundreds of people from having a good time.

And, the parade didn't get abandoned by the bad weather either as hundreds of children lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the big guy - Santa Claus.

Also, spirits weren't dampened by the windy and cold temperatures even though fewer vendors showed up at the Christmas Market.

"I think because we are under cover everyone who is in the park will come in here where it's dry and we have music, warm apple cider, and happy vendors," said Ineke Beokhorst, executive director for Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association, who added there were only 13 vendors who participated this year.

"The weather - it was raining all day. Everything was blowing. We had vendors that were at the farmers' market earlier today and their tents were blowing away," Beokhorst explained.

"The BIA Christmas Market is a really fun event," said long-time resident and BIA core-area patrol person Lynne Bradley.

"We love it when people come and visit us and support local businesses," Bradley added.

smclarren@mrtimes.com