Santa Claus comes to town
The festive spirt was felt throughout Port Colborne Saturday with the welcoming of Saint Nick.
The jolly ol’ fellow arrived by tug boat at about 1 p. m. along West Street. There he was greeted by a large crowd of people eager to say hello. Once he stepped off the boat, Santa stopped to give high- fives and hugs to a group of children who were in awe of him.
The crowd followed him to the Guild Hall on Charlotte Street while singing and laughing. At the hall Santa meet with children to take Christmas gift requests.
The holiday festivities didn’t end there. The annual Lighted Santa Claus Parade, which began at 6: 30 p. m. from Port Colborne High School, continued the Christmas cheer into the night.
For people who didn’t get to meet Santa earlier in the day, Canada Post collected children’s letters to be mailed to the North Pole. This was a new addition to this year’s parade.
In the spirit of giving, Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services, in partnership with Port Cares, collected unwrapped toys and non- perishable food items during the event.
Andrea Disher, from St. Catharines, attended the parade with her husband Chris and their children for the first time. They said their friends who live in Port Colborne invited them to see the 45 brightly lit floats with them. She said they were impressed with the parade and her husband thoroughly enjoyed the floats.
The couple’s eight- year- old son, Landen, said his favourite part was the school bands that marched the route. He said he’d like to come back next year.
Andrea and Chris agreed saying they’d enjoy coming again next year. Their advice to people who do plan to attend is to dress warm, bring some hot chocolate, and even a blanket.
James Fry of Port Colborne has been attending the parade for the past three years. He said it’s been great every year and Saturday’s parade was just as entertaining as previous years. Fry’s children enjoy receiving free candy from parade participants.
“They like the floats and the lights … We come every year and will come next year for sure,” he said.
Families were welcomed at the Guild Hall after the parade to meet with Santa again and enjoy hot chocolate.
Paradegoers can still vote for their favourite float in the people’s choice category. The vote ends today at 3 p. m. at http:// portcolborne. ca/ page/ Christmas_ in_ Port_ Colborne. With the support of Shoppers Drug Mart Port Colborne, the winner will receive a prize.