Santa and his helpers, a marching band, a man on stilts, the Manhattan Beach fire and police departments, and a crew of revelers all marched in the Manhattan Village Mall holiday parade on Friday morning, marking the official start of the holiday shopping season.

Santa was the honored guest at the annual parade, riding in the holiday float sponsored by Soroptomists International of Manhattan Beach. Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, a gingerbread man, various elves, and Manhattan Beach Mayor Wayne Powell were all guests on the float, which was escorted by Manhattan Beach police and fire personnel.

The Mira Costa Marching Band and Colorguard provided music and flair to the parade. Following the band were approximately 200 parade participants, many wearing special "Santa's Helper" t-shirts provided by Manhattan Village.

Stilt-walker Philip the Grand Wizard of Jumbo Shrimp Circus delighted the crowd with his antics. It was the first time he marched in the parade, and he said he looked forward to returning again. "I love the kids; I love the band...It was a great time," he said.

Santa will be available at Manhattan Village Mall for photos through December 24. Also at the mall this season: a gift-wrapping station sponsored by the Neptunian Womens' Club and the Sandpipers' Sugar Plum Tree for gift donations.