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It’s official; Santa loves his new Sarnia parade sleigh

Journal Staff Santa Claus has been the guest of honour at Sarnia’s annual parade every year for at least the past 35 years, yet the big guy isn’t averse to changing things up, says Bob Marks.
SantaParade
Santa waves to fans young and old from his shiny new sleigh at last year’s Sarnia Kinsmen Christmas Parade of Lights. Troy Shantz

Journal Staff

Santa Claus has been the guest of honour at Sarnia’s annual parade every year for at least the past 35 years, yet the big guy isn’t averse to changing things up, says Bob Marks.

In fact, he loves the new sleigh and thousands of twinkly LED lights that festoon it, the Kinsmen Club of Sarnia president said.

“We have a guarantee that he’s coming. He likes to visit here every year. He told me, it’s one of his special trips.”

The Santa Claus Parade draws thousands of spectators downtown each year, including visitors from Ontario and the U.S.

“We get nothing but outstanding comments on it,” Marks said, noting positive feedback from London, Hamilton and Barrie.

“We feel it is a good function for the whole community.”

This year’s parade is on Saturday, Dec. 2. Thirty floats designed and assembled by volunteers from local companies and service clubs have confirmed attendance so far. Four large high school marching bands will provide the Christmas music.

Point Edward’s newly re-acquired antique fire truck will also be on display.

The parade leaves Exmouth Street at 6 p.m. and heads south on Christina Street to the downtown, arriving at City Hall at 6:30 p.m. and the Library at 7 p.m.

Despite all the volunteer help, staging the parade and bringing the bands to town takes money, Marks said.

“Without the financial support of our local industries, business and you, the public citizens of Sarnia, the parade would not happen," he said.

Donations can be made to the Kinsmen Fund Raising

Santa Parade, P.O. Box 861, Sarnia ON, N7T7J9


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