Santa brings out lots of fun, smiles
HALIFAX — The crowds were out in full force on Sunday afternoon, braving the minus-degree weather to take in Spryfield’s annual Santa Claus Parade.
Despite the chill, spirits seemed high as more than 60 floats made their way along the parade route, down Herring Cove Road between Punch Bowl Drive and Drysdale Road.
“It’s fantastic to see people get together, especially here,” said Spryfield resident and longtime parade organizer Jane MacDonald. “Spryfield does get a bad name.”
MacDonald has been involved in putting on the event for the past 12 years. Her favourite part: the kids. “Half the time they’re so excited they don’t know what to do with themselves,” she said. “It just puts a big smile on everybody’s face.”
This year marked the parade’s 40th anniversary, making it the longest-running Santa Claus Parade east of Montreal.
Spectators cheered and laughed along both sides of the street, watching passing boy scouts and baton twirlers.
Not all participating floats fit the traditional Christmas theme. Members of the local sci-fi/fantasy group Hal-Con walked the parade in costume, sharing what Hal-Con spokeswoman Leanne Milo described as “our own brand of Christmas.”
Parade spectators Mark and Trish Steward were on-hand to share the experience for the first time with their daughters, Madelyn, 6, and Rosalyn, 3.
“I used to come as a kid and then we moved away ( from Halifax),” said Trish. “We just moved back so now we’re bringing our kids.”
Rosalyn’s said her favourite part was Santa Claus, while Madelyn said she preferred the firefighters.
A Duck Dynasty-themed Camo Christmas ensemble walking leashed goats was also present to entertain the crowds.
Dave Clement — a captain with HRM Fire — drove an antique 1939 fire engine, dubbed Queen.
— Geordon Omand/Metro Halifax