Santa Claus parades through Petrolia

Santa Claus parades through Petrolia

Content article

PETROLIA – Shortly after waving at the man in the big red suit as he passed by, Shea Wells was asked what his favorite part of the parade was.

Content article

“My favorite part was Santa Claus,” the three-year-old Sarnia resident said.

“My favorite part was everything,” six-year-old sister Emmi Wells chimed in.

From left, Jayda Clouson, 6, Emmi Wells, 6, and Shea Wells, 3, from Sarnia wave at Santa Claus during the town’s parade on Saturday December 4, 2021 in Petrolia, Ont. Terry Bridge / Sarnia Observer / Postmedia Network Photo by Terry Bridge /Terry Bridge / The Observer

A convoy of floats representing local clubs, churches, town council, and the fire department paraded through Petrolia’s downtown core on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Some volunteers handed out treats to children as they walked by.

“The candy is my favorite part,” Theodore Schweitzer, 4, from Petrolia said while clutching a lollipop.

Theodore Schweitzer, 4, smiles after he's handed some candy alongside brother Malcom, 2, during the town's Santa Claus parade on Saturday December 4, 2021 in Petrolia, Ont.  Terry Bridge / Sarnia Observer / Postmedia Network
Theodore Schweitzer, 4, smiles after he’s handed some candy alongside brother Malcom, 2, during the town’s Santa Claus parade on Saturday December 4, 2021 in Petrolia, Ont. Terry Bridge / Sarnia Observer / Postmedia Network Photo by Terry Bridge /Terry Bridge / The Observer

Santa, aboard the final float, had a couple of questions as he was pulled by eight cardboard reindeer – and a truck – along Petrolia Line.

“We all having fun? Has the parade been good? ” he asked.

Seven-month-old Jameson Gilfoyle watches the town's Santa Claus parade with parents Kim and Aaron on Saturday December 4, 2021 in Petrolia, Ont.  Terry Bridge / Sarnia Observer / Postmedia Network
Seven-month-old Jameson Gilfoyle watches the town’s Santa Claus parade with parents Kim and Aaron on Saturday December 4, 2021 in Petrolia, Ont. Terry Bridge / Sarnia Observer / Postmedia Network Photo by Terry Bridge /Terry Bridge / The Observer

The crowd enthusiastically answered, “Yes,” to both questions.

Afterwards, Santa set up shop inside the local YMCA to meet and mingle with the youngsters and find out what was on their wish lists. The Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist and Petrolia Camera clubs co-ordinated the event.

Maxen Hilll, 6, and Linkin Hill, 8, pose for a photo with Santa Claus at the YMCA on Saturday December 4, 2021 in Petrolia, Ont.  Terry Bridge / Sarnia Observer / Postmedia Network
Maxen Hilll, 6, and Linkin Hill, 8, pose for a photo with Santa Claus at the YMCA on Saturday December 4, 2021 in Petrolia, Ont. Terry Bridge / Sarnia Observer / Postmedia Network Photo by Terry Bridge /Terry Bridge / The Observer

A flurry of seasonal activities was held in the historic oil town and nearby Wyoming throughout the weekend, starting Friday night with Christmas in the Park, including the activation of the lights in Victoria Park, next to town hall.

Parades were also held previous weekends in Corunna and Sarnia, the latter featuring a drive-thru format at Lambton College.

[email protected]

@ObserverTerry



pso1