THUNDER BAY — When Brenda Floyd got a phone call at Gary’s Towing that they were this year’s best in show winner for the Rotary Santa Claus Parade, she was in disbelief.
“I’m still shocked,” Floyd said on Thursday afternoon as she and co-worker Jessica Lewis accepted the award during a ceremony at the Howard Johnson.
“I can’t put into words what it means for us. We’ve been in the parade for almost two decades and it’s a lot of fun to get involved for a good cause.”
Gary’s Towing elected to go with a tropical theme for their float this year, as they wanted to get everyone into a dancing mood according to Floyd.
“We had a blast dancing and singing with the staff, along with everyone in the crowd,” Floyd said. “We were trying to make everybody happy.”
That energy impressed the judges from the Fort Willam, Port Arthur, Lakehead and Thunder Bay Rotary Clubs, who evaluate floats based on effort, theme, appearance, originality and participation.
Also receiving awards were Balloon Stylings (commercial), Lakehead Shrine Club (community group and service club), Spirit of Dance (educational and children support services care) and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (other).
“I send out the e-mails to each other winners and you can always tell how surprised they are when they reply,” Santa Claus Parade committee chair Dawn Sebesta said.
“They are also very appreciated and it’s really neat to see those reactions.”
The 2025 edition of the Rotary Santa Claus parade takes place on Nov. 15.
