Santa Claus turned some circles in the crosswalk, revved the engine of his three-wheeled motorcycle, then popped a wheelie down Northwest 62nd Street to signal the start of the fourth annual Liberty City Christmas parade.

The parade drew hundreds of spectators last Saturday, and included marching bands from Carol City, Northwestern, Jackson and Edison high schools, as well as area motorcycle and car clubs.

“This is something good in the hood,” said Renita Holmes, a neighborhood activist. “It’s nice to see the people from the Pork ‘N Beans and the police finally have some fun.”

Holmes was referring to increased tension in the Liberty Square area, also known as the Pork ‘N Beans, after more than a dozen shootings in the last two months. Earlier this month, a team of police officers was reassigned there to specifically monitor the public housing project.

“Events like these create lasting bonds and helps us all realize that we are in this together,” Miami police Maj . Delrish Moss. “We create the community we want to live in, not as individuals, but together.”

The Christmas spirit burned even brighter when police officers from the North District station reached into their own pockets to buy and distribute presents to children.

“I love the police,” said Tanisha Brown, 5, who was surprised to get handed a doll from a police officer. “They are my friends.”

At the end of the parade, families gathered near 69th Street where the city set up a stage with 15-foot speakers, where community leaders thanked both residents and the police. Sponsored by the city’s Neighborhood Enhancement Team, Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, Masonic Lodge 777 and others, residents enjoyed free food and live music.

For the whole afternoon, area high school students could be seen dancing for blocks, as locals, police and the Florida Highway Patrol enjoyed a magical day of calm and healing. On side streets, the South Side Riders Motorcycle Club and the Street Sliderz Car Club discreetly handed out basketballs and toys to poor kids from Liberty Square.

“These are the only toys these kids will get this year,” said Ronald Farmer, president of the Street Sliderz Car Club.

“Charity starts at home.”