Cool winter evening air and a dusting of snow on the ground set the tone for the annual Meaford Santa Claus parade on Saturday evening.
Parade goers lined both side of Sykes Street from Ivan Street where the floats gathered to begin the parade, all the way to Collingwood Street where the parade route ended.
Organized by the Meaford Kinsmen Club, the parade brings together a wide range of service clubs, businesses, and other organizations to treat Meaford residents to a unique pre-Christmas event. Many hours were spent by each of the entrants to create the festive floats. In addition the parade featured some horses and even a pot bellied pig.
Bill MacDonald of Bill's Valu-mart told The Independent that he enjoys being involved in the annual parade. His Valu-mart grocery store has had a float in the parade for the last six years.
“We are happy to give back to the community that supports us,” said MacDonald who teamed up with The Meaford Express this year to collect food donations for the Golden Town Outreach food bank.
“It's only natural with us being a grocery store,” added MacDonald.
In addition to helping collect the food donations, Bill's Valu-mart also pledged to match any donations of No Name & President's Choice brand products.
Knights Home Building Centre had a gingerbread theme for their float this year, and Scott Knight was enthusiastic about their participation in the parade.
“The family aspect is important to us. Getting everyone together for this is a lot of fun,” said Knight as the final touches were being completed on their float before the parade began.
Twinkling festive lights against the backdrop of the night sky brought a special feel, and a bit of magic to the traditional Santa Claus parade. The fact that the parade is held at night helps draw visitors from beyond Meaford's borders.
Anita Kennedy of Owen Sound made the trip to Meaford along with Erin Cresswell, Amber Brown, and six children to experience Meaford's unique parade.
“I'm looking forward to seeing the parade at night. I've never seen one like this before,” Kennedy told The Independent.
Along the parade route, visitors from Markdale, Owen Sound, Brampton, and even some visitors from Florida could be found, and all were waiting for the arrival of one very special person.
After an impressive line up of floats had entertained the large crowd, the man in the red suit arrived in his sleigh adorned with white lights, and guided by Santa's loyal reindeer. Children waved enthusiastically and called out to the jolly fellow who waved to the crowd and wished everyone a merry Christmas.
When the parade was over, Santa's work had just begun as he made his way to The Meaford Museum to meet and greet a crowd of excited children.
