Santa shines in spotlight
Rain may have soaked eventgoers of the annual Welland Santa Claus Parade, but it didn’t dampen the mood Saturday evening.
More than 1,000 people lined the streets of Welland to watch the parade that celebrates the beginning of the holiday season in Welland.
Stephanie Hicks, executive director of the Welland Downtown BIA, said despite the rain there was a great turnout. Hicks said she also didn’t mind getting a little wet while participating in the event.
She said people seemed to be prepared for the weather, bringing umbrellas and wearing coats to keep warm. Some people even
popped their van trunk door to use as a cover, Hicks said.
“In the last three years I’ve seen it ( the parade) grow … I love it, it’s a great kickoff to Christmas,” she said after the parade.
Scarlett Steele, 9, participated in the parade for the second year Saturday. The drizzly cold weather didn’t get her down either.
Scarlett, who was collecting letters for Santa, said she still had fun despite the weather and collected a few hundred Christmas wish lists.
She said her favourite part of being in the parade is handing out candy canes.
About 45 floats, as well as marching bands, schools and Santa were waved and cheered on as they walked to Welland Civic Square.
Crowds welcomed Saint Nick as he made his entrance to light the Christmas tree in front of city hall. A large group of people gathered around in the rain to watch the jolly fellow turn the holiday lights on.
After, Santa met children inside to take requests and have some fun. While people waited to say hello to the jolly fellow, they could participate in face painting and other activities. People could also warm up with hot chocolate or indulge in maple syrup taffy.