On a day better suited to ducks and seagulls, than a parade, the holiday season got off to a soggy but rousing start with the staging of the Macy's annual Holiday parade on 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle.

West Seattle was very well represented with groups from around the neighborhood taking part.

Rain ponchos were the dress of the day as the weather would not let up.

The Chief Sealth International High School marching band, always in top form, proved again they are one of the best in the region as they performed. West Seattle High School's marching band looked and sounded sharp too. Explorer West School offered their musical stylings too.

Salty's Seafood Grill had a large crew of people pushing their now famous nutcrackers for the full parade route, bringing an especially festive touch to the proceedings.

The event was topped off as usual by the arrival of Santa himself who arrived on an earthbound sleigh and went into Macy's to greet his adoring fans.