With a fresh snowfall and sunny skies, Santa Claus was all smiles as he waved at happy North Bay children on Sunday.
Fifty-five floats preceded Santa’s float with dignitaries Mayor Al McDonald, his partner Wendy Abdallah, MPP Vic Fedeli, Patty Fedeli, MP Anthony Rota, Chantal Rota, and Mrs. Claus.
The floats were decorated with the theme of Christmas through the years. They travelled Chippewa Street, turning onto Fisher and then right onto Main Street.
Children brought letters for Santa with Canada Post carriers receiving the precious documents of Christmas wishes.
Ten year old Tristan Beauchamp Perry enjoys coming to watch the parade with his family, including little sister Sway. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, he replied, “I just want to hang out with all of my family for Christmas.”
Jennifer Gervais sipped her hot chocolate while watching 17-month old Zayna stomp the snow while her siblings waited for Santa. “I have been coming since I was little and now I have teenagers so we have been coming for 15 years with them.
I think it is an exciting way to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s fun to see Santa come to town. And it doesn’t matter how old the kids get, they are excited to come.”
Fifteenyear old Hanna Stroud enjoyed the parade. Stroud thought that the floats were really well decorated this year. “I really liked the float by L’École secondaire publique Odyssée and of course, Santa’s float.”
The North Bay Food Bank had members of the Knights of Columbus volunteering collecting donations along the parade route.
Awards will be given out for the Best Overall Float and the group with the Best Spirit. Bay Today will follow up with the winners when they are announced.
