THUNDER BAY – After 32 years, many groups of people continue to gather each year to welcome the Christmas season and of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Thousands of people lined Memorial Ave. on Saturday morning for the Rotary Santa Claus Parade.
Dawn Sebesta, chair of the Rotary Santa Claus Parade committee, said the weather was perfect and everything went very well.
“We ended up with 57 entries. We did have more registered but unfortunately due to illness and things like that, we had a few pull out. We still had a good turnout.
“I think there was still plenty to entertain everybody,” she said.
Sebesta said this event is great for absolutely anyone, especially families with small children.
“Santa comes to town and what better time for that to happen. He's here at the auditorium and then you can go see him at Intercity as well because they kick off their Santa Claus celebrations there as well.
“The parade doesn't cost anything. Anybody can come and watch it and enjoy it,” she added.
Sebesta said Rotary clubs have not always looked after the parade.
“It used to be looked after by the OPP at one time, but we've been doing it now for around 15 years. It's been a while,” she said.
This parade has been in existence for a long time, Sebesta said.
“We hope that we can continue this tradition in Thunder Bay and we really appreciate the support that this community gives to the parade,” she added.
It was Jordan Larmand’s first time taking part in the parade with his colleagues at Shout Media.
“A lot of us have been visiting and attending the Santa Claus parade, but not many of us have actually taken part. We're excited to be a part of it.
“We made a gingerbread float and it turned out really well, decorating the candy. It was really exciting and the number one reason, of course, is the kids,” he said.
Chloe Blackburn watched the parade this year for the fourth or fifth time, she said.
“It was really fun and I enjoyed it because there were lots of cool floats and there were like 30 different grinches,” Blackburn said.
She added that she has two favourite floats, if she had to pick.
“I liked the one that had Elsa and Anna and I also liked the one that was Toy Story,” she said.
This year it was Zoe Ponder’s first time ever being at the Santa Claus Parade. She gave out candy and said it was very fun.
“I loved seeing the kids get happy when I gave them candy,” she said.
Ponder said it was amazing to see all the people lining the streets.
