THUNDER BAY – Even Santa Claus had to abide by COVID-19 restrictions for the past two years.
It meant Jolly Old Saint Nick and his wife, Mrs. Claus, weren’t able to swing by Thunder Bay in mid-November in 2020 and 2021 for the annual Santa Claus Parade.
But on Saturday they were back, and to the delight of thousands who braved a wintry blast of cold weather and blowing snow, the famous Christmas couple helped close out the parade’s return, waving to kids of all ages as they rode up Memorial Avenue in a horse-drawn carriage.
Organizer Dawn Sebesta said it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying the parade on Saturday morning.
“I think the parade went really well. We had 59 entries, so there was a lot of variety out there. It looks like there were quite a few people out there along the route. Everything seemed to run really smooth, and right now, Santa and Mrs. Claus are in the Auditorium seeing all the little kids,” Sebesta said.
Sebesta said the show of support showed that the public clearly missed the parade, which over the years has acted as the start of the holiday season in Thunder Bay.
“I think people really, really missed it, so we are really happy to be able to provide it this year and we will definitely do it again next year,” Sebesta said.
She added organizers weren’t sure what to expect, given the events brought forth by the pandemic.
“We were nervous at first, but the businesses of Thunder Bay came through. We had lots of floats and our sponsorship was amazing. Our parade was sponsored by Gore Motors, but we had lots of other wonderful sponsors that came on board this year.”
From Frozen, to Minions to the obligatory Grinch or three, the parade had a little something for everyone.
“There were firetrucks, there were horses and I know there were some floats playing music, including one of the radio stations. There were floats with a Grinch theme. There was lot of different themes. We didn’t just use one in particular. We just wanted people to have fun putting them together.”
Among those lining the parade route was Veronica Ross.
The youngster said she loves the parade and was glad it was back.
“My family usually comes here every year,” she told Thunder Bay Television.
“I liked the big doggy balloon blow-ups. That was fun.” -- With files from Thunder Bay Television's Jessah Clement
