you've been naughty or nice because Santa Claus is coming to town stocked with candy and ears to hear what you want for Christmas.

On December 10, the big, red, jolly man will be the grand finale at the annual Santa Claus parade organised by the Hamilton Junior Chamber.

And it promises to be lots of fun for the entire family, especially the children who will be able to have one-on-one conversations with Santa when the parade concludes at Victoria Park.

Mr. Henry Sutton, co-chairman of the Hamilton Junior Chamber, which is responsible for the annual Santa Claus parade, said: "We would like to make the parade as big as possible and we are trying to get schoolchildren involved as the theme is a Child's Fantasy Christmas.

"But we have not had the kind of response we would like to have had from the schools.

"We would like each school to have a float or a band and we have sent out letters to corporate sponsors who are willing to sponsor floats, but we do not have the schools who want to build them,'' Mr. Sutton added.

But despite the lack of floats thus far, the parade is sure to be a success.

Mr. Sutton said the parade, which will start at 4 p.m. from the City Hall parking lot, will go along Front street and for the first time Court Street.

"The parade will end in Victoria Park where Santa will be giving out candy and taking pictures with children,'' JC secretary Ms Marialuisa Astarita said.

She added: "This gives the kids an opportunity to get close to Santa and tell them what they would like for Christmas.'' Ms Astarita added that this was going to be a very positive parade for kids to take part in.

"A lot of kids say they have nothing to do, so something like this is worthwhile,'' she said.

The Bermuda Institute Steel Band will perform along with the Bermuda Deaf Awareness Association, and the West Indian Association Choral singers.

And the Warwick and Somerset majorettes will dance along with everyone's favourite -- the Gombeys.

Mr. Sutton added that during the parade there will be a ceremony at the Flagpole on Front Street with dignitaries such as Premier David Saul and Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Sen. Yvette Swan. There will also be an MC playing Christmas music.

"This will be well rounded entertainment which will reflect the multi-culturalism of the society,'' Ms Astarita said.

She added that "old Saint Nick'' will be on the last float of the parade and when it concludes at Victoria Park, children will be able to "get close to Santa and tell them what they would like for Christmas''.

Parents will be treated to soothing Christmas carols after propping their kids on their backs -- for the parade -- and running with them to see Santa as the Bank of Butterfield's "Christmas Concert in the Park'' will begin shortly after the parade ends.

So why not pack a picnic dinner and bring a blanket! The Junior Chamber is looking for all different types of Christmas floats.

"This will be constructive for the family and good family time,'' Ms Astarita said.

Mr. Sutton added: "We are hoping to have a May 24 parade at Christmas.'' If you are interested in having a float in the parade there is still time as the deadline for entries is December 1.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt said the Christmas Concert in the Park was scheduled for December 17 but the Corporation was making arrangements to change the date to December 10, to coincide with the Santa Claus Parade.

He added that the idea was that the parade would go around Hamilton and finish up at Victoria Park where Santa will visit with the children and the Christmas carol concert would begin.

"We think it will be a nice event to finish the parade. Everyone will then gather to sing Christmas carols,'' Mr. Sherratt said.

He added that several choirs will be taking part which includes some of the Islands top favourite entertainers.

Mr. Roger Sherratt READY FOR THE PARADE -- Junior Chamber members organising the Santa Claus parade are ready to feel the Christmas spirit. From left to right are JC co-chairman Mrs. Lisa Ferreira, member Ms Sandra Harvey, co-chairman Mr. Henry Sutton, secretary Ms Marialuisa Astarita, and public relations officer Mrs.

Julie Johnston.