Here comes Santa Claus

The Annual Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade brought out the town on Friday, filling the downtown core with residents eager to see the lights, sights and, of course, Santa. The evening started off at the town hall as the front tree was lit up in support of the Whitecourt Food Bank. Bulbs could be purchased in advance, red for donation and green for memoriam, with all funds going towards the food bank. Deputy Mayor Norm Hodgson was on hand along with Food Bank Co-ordinator Lori Vodden and many community members as power lit the tree from root to tip.

At 7 p.m., the sirens sounded and the RCMP kicked off the parade with a cruiser leading the stream of floats. Shouts of “Merry Christmas” and friendly waves could be seen up and down the parade route. Children rushed to the ground eagerly collecting the swarms of candies being thrown to them by passersby, with several floats running out of candy before wrapping up the ride.

Remote control cars from Make My Fun hobby shop, a mini cement truck from Inland Concrete, an old fire truck from Whitecourt Fire and Rescue, a very green Grinch on Rotary’s float, and a festively-dressed goat were just some of the cool things to see. Woodlands County even completely dressed a grader in lights which proved to be popular with the children.

Ending off the parade was the big guy himself on the Millar Western float.  Santa shouted festive cheer down from his sleigh and waved to everyone who came out to catch a glimpse of him. Led by Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer, the jolly old fellow was a welcome sight for both young and old as well as the perfect finale of another fantastic parade!