Brantford’s annual Santa Claus Parade was rescued in style on Saturday night as thousands turned out to see Santa, party at the after-bash and celebrate a long-time tradition.
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The hour-long parade packed the curbs leading from Stanley Street to Harmony Square where the happy crowd cheered to the lighting of the Christmas tree, got photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and drank hot chocolate.
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“I thought it was marvelous,” said Dave Carrol, who led a team of volunteers to put the event together.
“The city loves this parade and they come out in big numbers for it. A lot of people came up to me to express thanks that Freedom House took it over and the tradition is continuing.”
The event was in danger of petering out after cancellations during the pandemic and the Brantford JCI organization, which ran the event for four decades, said it no longer had the capacity to return to organizing the event.
The City of Brantford was able to put the parade together last year and local church Freedom House – known for organizing a big February event called Frosty Fest – agreed to put its resources into play this year.
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“Many of the people who helped us run Frosty Fest were here helping tonight,” said Carrol, who has also been on the parade committee for several years.
The late start in organizing meant there were fewer bands and floats than in previous years but the parade still ran about an hour, culminating with the 47th appearance of Santa atop his sleigh.
It was followed by the after-party, organized by the city and featuring lots of activities, popcorn and hot chocolate, and music by Jeff Harding from BarCode.
The event had a multicultural feel to it as many newcomer families and university students were engaged in the event or clearly enjoying it for the first time.
“Brantford is the perfect sized city for a Santa Claus parade,” said Carrol. “It’s not too small or too gigantic. It’s a community coming together and that’s not easy to find.”
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Shawn Stemmler, a former JCI parade volunteer, was helping organize this year’s event and said there were about 75 entries, counting floats, bands, vehicles, banners and costumed groups.
“Of course, one of the entries was the Brantford and Area Jeep and Off-Road club which had about 15 vehicles lit up, well… like Christmas trees.”
The over-all administrator for the event, Amanda Cabral-Medford, had never even been to a parade before when she signed up, said Carrol.
“She was a superstar by the end.”
Upcoming community parades include the Paris Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 2 at 6 pm; the Burford Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.; and the St. George Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
@EXPSGamble
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