MARION — Marion residents peered over the pier at Island Wharf, eagerly waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive via boat to kick off the town’s annual Holiday Village Stroll on Sunday, Dec. 10.

When Santa finally showed up he was met by a pack of children, each one hoping for a personal audience with St. Nick.

Upon their arrival on land, the Claus’ made their way onto a carriage led by two Clydesdale horses. They were joined by a batch of children for the first of many rides that continued all afternoon.

After the first carriage departed, the minds of most people shifted from Santa to something else — food.

Plenty of local groups and businesses served food and beverages to the community.

As time went by on Sunday afternoon the weather got colder and the skies opened up, soaking umbrella-less attendees.

Attendees warmed up by grabbing hot bowls of chili from a stand set up by Coldwell Banker or by sipping hot chocolate by outdoor heaters at Cast Seaside Bites & Bar.

Kids in attendance stopped on the stroll to write letters to Santa, check out goats and miniature-horses at a petting zoo and craft Christmas ornaments.

Along the stroll, parents could treat themselves to a cranberry mimosa from Kate’s Simple Eats or spiked eggnog from Spirits.

Performers on the route of the stroll included Tabor Academy’s student chorus and Criss-Cross the Juggler.

Even the most persistent attendees dispired as rainstorms continued throughout the evening.