The 48th Annual Santa Claus Parade
Thousands of spectators gathered for the Santa Parade along the riverside on Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 2016. There was a variety of entertainment throughout the magical evening. Photo by Joy Chen.
WINDSOR, Ont. – The 48th Annual Santa Claus Parade of lights took place in Windsor with a variety of entertainment throughout the magical evening.
The parade featured lots of floats, marching bands and fun inflatables along Riverside Drive West from Rankin to Brock Street through Old Sandwich Towne on Dec. 3.
“Windsor’s Santa Parade is a long tradition. The purpose of event is to bring family entertainment during the holiday season to the residents of Windsor,” said director of business development David Grimaldi.
Starting at 6 p.m. and running more than an hour to finish, there was more than Santa Claus. There were lots of colourful characters out for the parade including Elsa from Frozen, Mickey and many clowns.
Grimaldi said they wanted people to enjoyed long-lasting family memories from the parade.
Thousands of spectators gathered for the Santa Parade. Many of them were families who had set up chairs along Riverside Drive.
Kids picked up coupons and candy thrown by volunteers. They all had huge smiles.
“We had a blast tonight watching the Santa, my son got a lot of candies. Everyone enjoys the excellent light display in Windsor. These are good memories for my child,” said Windsor resident Trudy Balsdon.
There were lots of community groups performing as part of the parade: Border City Barkers, Knights of Columbus, Devils Broomball and a Windsor cosplay crew.
“This was pretty cool and fun. I got to see the music and Santa,” said Domarina Ashour from WJ Langlois Elementary School.
The Windsor Parade Corporation is a not-for-profit organization. This year’s parade was presented by the Olde Sandwich Towne BIA, Windsor Port Authority and Centreline. People at the parade brought a non-perishable food item or monetary donation. Volunteers collected them on the parade route.
“This year’s Santa Parade is trying to raise $20,000,” said Grimaldi.
According to the parade website, the festival has been A tradition since 1969. The first Windsor Jaycees Santa Claus Parade was held with 29 entries and eight bands. The 2016 Parade had over 50 entries including four horse units and eight marching bands.
After the event, many people said the Santa parade is keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.
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