This year’s Santa Claus parade delights Guelphites of all ages
A young girl was spotted blushing shyly as a boy from her school broke formation from the parade to give her a candy cane and a hug as she watched the festivities pass along Quebec Street. The sight was the perfect sign of a festive day; one adorned with red, green, gold and white. Holiday spirit was in the air, and everyone in attendance was smiling as the floats drove past.
Thousands cheered and waved as various floats paraded through downtown Guelph on Sunday, Nov. 17. From local animal shelters, to the fire department, and even Live Action Role Players, a host of local community organizations came out to celebrate the holiday season.
It was the perfect weather for a parade – warm, surprisingly clear for mid-November, and not too windy. Many people were wearing shorts and T-shirts, a humorously non-festive site, which nonetheless signified how unusually ideal the weather turned out to be for the festive day. Others were not afraid to wear their ugly holiday sweaters, or dress up in full costume to celebrate the season.
Several marching bands helped raise the Christmas spirit by loudly playing holiday favourites like “Feliz Navidad,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” “Winter Wonderland,” and several other classic carols for all to hear. Children danced along the edges of the streets, laughing loudly to the sound of the cheerful music.
Among the crowd, spectators were delighted to see young children handing their letters to Santa to the Canada Post staff. It was heart-warming to see the spirit of the holidays alive in the eyes of these young kids, running as fast as they could to make sure that Santa would be getting their Christmas list. It was not just children, however, many parents and teenagers were also seen letting their holiday spirit show.
The Guelph Food Bank was out in full force, promoting the spirit of giving in this time of charity. Christmas is, after all, a time when much attention is focused on those who are less fortunate. The Food Bank volunteers were carrying boxes and buckets, collecting non-perishables from the crowd. A volunteer’s box gave out and spilled cans all over the street and there was several people who ran to help, showing the true meaning of Christmas spirit.
Santa himself was on the last float to arrive, his booming voice shouting “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” to everyone watching. Young kids were ecstatic to see the big man dressed in red and white waving at them. Even adults couldn’t help but give a little smirk at the happiness experienced at the celebration.
Whether it is for the casual onlooker, a young girl embarrassed to hug a boy in front of a crowd, or Santa Claus himself, the holiday season is a time of joyous celebration for everyone. Guelph’s annual Santa Claus parade kicked off the holidays with a grand entry through the downtown core, inaugurating for all that wonderful holiday spirit.