Reindeer reign in Naperville parade

The clippity-clop of hooves was unmistakable in Naperville's downtown Friday night.

"It's a pony!" a stroller-clad child cried, pointing to the furry brown beast sauntering down the middle of the road.

"No," the mom chuckled. "That's not a pony, that's a reindeer."

Understandable mistake, what with the slim chances of either one actually wandering around the city's commercial district.

Friday night, however, was a special occasion. Santa was in town, and his two helpers -- the ones with the hooves -- were there to lend moral support.

"Santa. Santa. Santa," 5-year-old Nathan Erickson said, pointing down the street at the oncoming illuminated float while bouncing up and down.

Getting the chance to see the big man himself was quite the experience for the little Naperville boy. It was his first outing at the Electric Light Parade, where Santa makes one of his many appearances prior to his big night Dec. 24.

"We're usually out of town," the boy's mother, Amy Erickson, said.

The crowds at the brightly lit parade were easily four-deep in some areas. Folks in many cases got there an hour in advance to scope out the best spot along the route.

Julie Westlund was there with her fold-up canvas rocking chair, supervising the family it took quite a while to prepare for the freezing evening.

"There was a lot of yelling to get their hats and gloves and two pairs of socks," the Naperville woman said.

Everyone complied, and they were watching the passing light floats while surrounding the family's giant Thermos full of hot chocolate.

Olympic figure skater Evan Lysacek was among the stars in the parade, and he rode the route atop an open convertible, which had to be cold.

The chill didn't matter to Kris Swedlund of Naperville. That's all part of the fun.

"It starts the holiday season," she said.