As tradition, the communities of Becker and Big Lake hosted Santa parades through the neighborhoods just days before Kris Kringle is set to return to deliver presents to all the good little boys and girls.

Becker Parade

The Becker Fire and Police Departments held a Santa parade through town last Saturday at 2 p.m.. 

Santa Claus, in his bright red coat, trousers and floppy hat — and looooong white beard — climbed atop the Becker FD ladder truck and waved to little kiddos throughout the route. 

The Santa truck exited the fire department along Riley Ave. and headed north to Central Ave. for a left turn. The truck crossed over Sherburne Ave. and continued to Hancock St., where they veered right onto 2nd St. SE towards Becker Food Pride.

The truck then weaved to the frontage road and cruised near Hwy. 10 past Becker Furniture World to Bradley Blvd. From there, they turned right on Sherburne Ave, by the cemetery and proceeded to the corner of Bank Street and Sherburne Ave. where they turned left to return to the BFD station.

Many youngsters — hoping to catch a glimpse of Jolly Old St. Nick — set up chairs and blankets along the route and joyously waved as the procession rolled by.

“From all of us at the Becker Fire Department we would like to say thank you to our amazing community for all of the support this year. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy Holidays!”

Big Lake Parade

Earlier than Becker’s, Santa Claus climbed aboard a Big Lake FD truck to wave to the youngsters so eager to see the big elf in person less than a week before Christmas.

ATVs and police cars helped usher Father Christmas to town. Non-perishable food items were left curbside by citizens as Santa’s “helpers” jumped out to collect the donations as they rolled by.

The path of the parade went from Co. Rd. 43 and Glenwood Rd. to the west about 5 miles. The parade made its way through several neighborhoods and eventually circled Lake Mitchell and Big Lake until it reached Lakeshore Drive. 

From there, the procession turned up Eagle Lake Rd. past Kwik Trip, then turned right on Minnesota Ave. past the police department and back to Co. Rd. 43.