Rosy-cheeked children, excitedly lined the Santa Claus Parade route Sunday, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the jolly old man himself.
Children giggled, and jumped up and down pointing to Santa and Mrs. Claus who appeared on the last float of the parade, where Santa gave his heartiest belly laugh, and a grinning Mrs. Claus waved to the youngsters lined up on the sidewalk.
It was another North Bay Santa Claus parade where young and old kicked off the holiday season by making special memories.
When she was a young mom, ninety-year-old Carmel Laroche would bring her six children to watch the parade.
Her youngest who is now 61 years old was by her side at this year’s parade.
“I’ve been here for most of them. I’ve been keeping well, so I still come to see them.”
The parades always bring back fond memories.
“Coming out and seeing them with my children. I have six children. I like to watch the floats go by, and see Santa Claus, for sure,” laughed Laroche.
Three generations of the Doyle family gathered to create memories with a two-year-old family member, who was attending the parade for the second time.
“It’s the Santa Claus parade. It’s all about seeing Santa at the end of the parade and enjoying making lasting memories,” stated Grandmother Connie Doyle
Chris Vanluven brought his family which included children aged five, seven, and 12.
Vanluven has attended in the past, but this year is extra special.
“This is actually our first year as a family doing this, and we will continue to do so. We’re looking forward to seeing Santa and making this a family tradition,” grinned Vanluven.
Just over 45 entries entertained the crowds by dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, demonstrating gymnastic skills, or playing musical instruments in keeping with this year’s theme “A Country Christmas.”
Parade committee volunteer Jeff Serran noted that the parade is always well attended.
“The format for this parade has probably been going on for the past 50 years, but the parade itself has been going on from all of our records, since the city was incorporated, at least since 1925,” explained Serran who participated in the parade as a young boy.
“The reason why we know about the 50 years, is because the very first time I sat on a float was with the Salvation Army in 1974. I was seven years old. I remember it vividly. So, this is my 50th year, and of course there was the break for COVID, so this has been around for a long time.”
The parade has evolved through the years.
“I think the number of floats has certainly fluctuated, but we have a really good size parade this year. The enthusiasm has stayed the same. I think there is still that wonder, especially for the kids waiting to see Santa Claus. And there is that enjoyment of parents watching how excited their kids get. Of course, Santa is good for people of all ages.”
As a way to keep the parade fresh and interesting year after year, themes were implemented, resulting in some extremely creative entries.
“People have been great with the themes. It has only been in the last maybe 20 years, that we started doing theme years. It was always the Christmas theme which we still have, but for instance, this year is A Country Christmas theme,” noted Serran.
“We did a Rock ‘n Roll Christmas, that was probably 15 years ago, and we’ve had a Disney Christmas.”
The award-winning St. Joseph’s-Scollard Hall marching band was able to attend as luckily for parade goers, the North Bay Parade did not conflict with the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, which falls on a different weekend this year.
Judges were set up along the parade route; giving marks based on the various categories.
Children were also happy to stretch out their mitted hands to collect candy from the many volunteers.
Volunteers were also busy collecting donations for the North Bay Food Bank, and thanks to the magic of the season, letters to Santa will find their way to the North Pole.
