“It might just be the best parade we’ve had in years,” said Margaret Tyrell of Niagara-on-the-Lake, who watched as marching bands, dance groups and finally, jolly old Saint Nick, moseyed down Queen Street with her son Aiden on Saturday.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas Parade returned Dec. 13 at near pre-pandemic scale, organizers say, drawing residents and visitors to Old Town as 102 entries moved through the historic core in clear winter weather.
The parade has returned to its pre-COVID size, said Paul Mace, a member of the NOTL Christmas Parade committee, after several years of struggling to regain the same level of community attention.
The procession began near the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 on King Street and travelled along Castlereagh, Wellington, Byron, Simcoe and Queen streets before looping back to King Street.
“All the reliables came out: the kids and the marching bands. Regardless of the cold weather, they’re always the greatest supporters. It’s a wonderful parade for a small community, it really is,” said Mace.
Road closures were in place from early morning through mid-afternoon to accommodate the route and parade safety.
Ahead of the parade, families gathered at 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa for its annual Santa breakfast, now in its third year.
Children met Santa, received goodie bags and warmed up with hot chocolate before heading to the parade route.
“Honestly, it’s a lovely event,” said Beth Humphreys, restaurant manager at 124 on Queen Hotel.
“I look forward to it every year. I’m here every year doing it.”
Humphreys said the breakfast was created to celebrate the parade while introducing the newer hotel to the community, and the hotel plans to continue the tradition.
Royal Oak School staff sold hot chocolate, apple cider and baked goods to support school activities, including a student production of “Frozen” in February at the NOTL Community Centre.
Teacher Lorene Dennis said elements from the school’s “Frozen”-themed parade float will be reused for the show.
“The float was put together by parent volunteers who put some hard work in, making wooden snowflakes and a big wooden castle.”
Nearby, parade volunteers sold commemorative buttons to help cover travel costs for parade attractions like the marching band.
John Strucker, who has been part of the fundraising effort for eight years now, said the button sales typically raise between $6,000 and $7,000 annually.
“When I got up this morning and I saw the sun on the snow, I figured it was perfect for a parade,” he said.
Planning for next year’s parade begins in July. Mace said the parade committee aims to add “a little something extra” every year.
