Thousands attend Bend Christmas Parade

Thousands lined the streets of downtown Bend and thousands more participated in the 2012 Bend Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon.

This years theme: “A Picture Perfect Christmas” for the parade that kicked off at noon and lasted for about an hour.

There were the traditional wide variety if entries including marching bands, horses, dogs, old cars and even the waving, rocking Little Caesar pizza lady.

Of course, a Christmas parade wouldn’t be complete without Santa himself.

The grand marshal this year was Sharon Miller, the former executive director of NeighborImpact, a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

Miller, a Bend residence since 1986, and her husband Bruce rode in the grand marshal’s car.

The 2012 Deschutes Pioneer Association Queen Barbara Buxton also rode in the parade.