Winterfest parade swings for the fences with famous baseball grand marshall

Santa Claus is always the star of every Christmas parade, but this year there was another heavy hitter on deck.

This year’s Winterfest Grand Marshall Ernie Whitt led a holiday parade down Ouellette Avenue as part of the DWBIA’s sixth annual event on Saturday.

The former Blue Jays star and acting manager of Canada’s national baseball team kicked off the day’s festivities meeting fans and parade-goers prior to the the parade.

“It’s an honour (to be here),” said Whitt. “Any time people remember you and think you’ve done something positive, I think it’s a good thing. I’m glad and honoured they asked me to do this.”

The parade featured more than 50 different units and floats of costume characters, dignitaries, inflatables, marching bands and dancers. They filled the streets with lots of colour, fun and spectators.

“It’s really important,” said executive director of the DWBIA Debi Croucher. “It brings the community together and gets everybody into the holiday spirit.”

Santa’s stylish float was provided by the Windsor District CUPE Council.

“Santa is, of course, the cream of the crop in terms of the parade and heralds the start of the holiday season for us,” said Croucher.

President of Windsor District CUPE Council Jessie Simonetti said Winterfest is about more than Santa Claus.

“I hope the community has a great time during the parade while supporting independent businesses and being proud of the public services being offered in our community,” said Simonetti. “It’s very important.”

Click below to listen to radio news story.