BY HAILEY MONTGOMERY
Santa took a break from a busy touring schedule to spread Christmas cheer in Oakville on Saturday.
His little helpers – 13 bands total – performed at the Magical, Musical Santa Claus parade, joined by almost 50 festive floats.
Dancers danced, and drummers drummed, and fake snow fell. Lakeshore Blvd. was packed as families huddled together in merriment.
Keri Schoonderwoerd, the parade’s publicity chair, says the parade is a great tradition in the community, as it gets everyone ready for the most wonderful time of the year.
“It kicks off the holiday season,” she said, “we leave here in good spirits, and happy.”
In a recent Oakville News article, Schoonderwoerd encouraged Oakvillians to think of those in need on parade day and throughout the holiday season.
Canadian cancer support network Wellspring, which has an Oakville location, raised over $4,000 for their Children’s Program by selling red noses.
Parade goers gave the gift of over $5000 in cash donations, and over 3,500 pounds in food donations.
Long time Santa Clause Parade committee member Susy Viana-Azevedo says she loves every minute of the year-long preparation for the event.
“It’s like Christmas all year round.”