incredible thunderstorm.

The annual Santa parade through Hamilton proved to be a washout but not before the participants and hundreds of spectators braved the inclement weather for nearly 20 minutes.

It appeared that the downpour was going to hold off. One of the organisers from the Market Place Mr. John Carr was optimistic. He said: "It is going to be all right. It cannot be as bad as the weather during the St. George's parade last night. You have to be an optimist.'' But Mr. Carr spoke too soon and almost as soon as the parade started at City Hall it started to rain.

By the time the assorted floats, majorettes and representatives of local churches had made their way round to Front Street the rain was gushing down and thunder and lightning had started.

On Front Street families took cover in shop doorways as the thunder became louder and the lightning appeared to be directly overhead.

The VIP shelter, by the flagpole, proved useless as rainwater poured in and soaked people trying to avoid getting wetter.

Under the shelter a damp Mr. Lee Holder, president of the Jaycees, was considering offering medals for bravery, or recklessness. As the parade arrived at the flagpole he said: "And first we have...the rain!'' Mr. Holder said: "I had a list of people participating but they are dropping out by the minute. I have no idea who is going to turn up because we do not know who set off.'' Santa Claus was one who did not make it to the disappointment of the hundreds of children. He was rumoured to have grabbed some rainwear and set off home to the North Pole, where the weather was better! Mr. Holder called off the parade, which is expected to be resumed next Sunday.

The Dynamic City Rockettes continued to entertain the crowds at City Hall during the rain, but finally gave up.

The rain stopped within minutes of the parade being postponed.

REINDEERS AND RAIN -- Santa Claus shelters under his umbrella as the rain starts to fall on his parade in Hamilton. It finally became so heavy that the annual event had to be postponed halfway round the circuit.