Evan Wiebe has seen the annual Rotary Christmas Parade many times.
This year was a little bit different, as for the first time, he got the chance to be front and centre.
Evan joined his father Stephen and younger brother Adam aboard the Ornge Air Ambulance float as one of the more than 40 vehicles that proceeded down Memorial Avenue to the delight of thousands of onlookers on Saturday morning.
“I was really excited because it was my first time. I had never been in a parade like that before,” the youngster said.
“I liked being in the parade because it was fun to be a part of that and I liked our float.”
His father works as a paramedic for the air ambulance company and jumped at the chance to participate.
He said it was a bonus getting to share the experience with his two sons, as well as the children of fellow employees.
“Just seeing the smiles on people’s faces it was fun to be a part of the cheer of Christmas season,” Stephen Wiebe said.
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Many area businesses and organizations were represented in the parade, which is now in its 23rd year. Along with decorated attractions, members of organizations walked the sides of the route to share goodies with the young spectators.
Canada Post had volunteers travelling down the sides of the route to collect early letters to send north for Santa Claus.
The route was changed this year, as it went down to Memorial Avenue from Harbour Expressway before going up to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
Parade co-chair Gail Kromm said they shortened the path to make it easier for those walking down the road.
And Santa, of course, was the star of the show. His was the final float of the parade procession and he shared wishes of Merry Christmas to all in attendance.
He then went into the Auditorium to have an early meet-and-greet with some eager children.
During a break in the picture taking he spoke with local reporters and said the children of Thunder Bay have earned a good Christmas.
“In the parade when I asked they all said they had been good,” he said. “I think they were.”
The parade traditionally serves as the kickoff to the Christmas season in the city, with this year’s event happening just less than 40 days until Christmas morning.
“It really signifies the start of Christmas with Santa coming to Thunder Bay and it is the start of Christmas for everybody,” Kromm said.
“We might not have snow yet, but it’s not far away. I think we’re really starting to think about Christmas now and this kicks if off.”
