Santa Claus arrives in South Frontenac for a parade
Santa Claus Parades have returned to the region, and in South Frontenac they held theirs today in Sydenham, which sits 30 minutes north of Kingston.
After a year-long hiatus under COVID-19, residents say they’re grateful the annual tradition is back in town.
The annual parade has been a staple for the community for decades.
Those like 8-year-old Autumn Reid know exactly what they love.
"Getting candy canes," she says.
Weaving its way through the streets, the parade is put on by the South Frontenac Fire Department.
Firefighter Shane Kidd say that they estimate about 1,000 spectators from across the rural community came to watch it this year, making it one of their biggest parades yet.
"Seeing all those smiling faces on the kids, it clearly means a lot. They loved seeing all the floats,” he says. "Tradition means a lot, it’s super important to make sure that traditions continue year in, and year out."
South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal agrees.
"That felt very exciting," Vandewal says of the parade. "You can tell the community wants this, you can tell by the amount of people on the floats, they wanted this (parade) back and they were excited to get it."
Mom Bailey Jackson brought her three kids, including 3-year-old Harper.
"Sydenham does such a great job with doing theirs; bringing everyone together, getting in the spirit, having fun. My kids are clearly loving it!"
As COVID-19 cases climb in the region, and the local health unit of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington announces restrictions on indoor gatherings, parents like Chrystal Plant are just happy to be able to celebrate outdoors with her young family.
"I always loved going to Santa Claus Parades when I was a kid, so today I think I might be more excited than this little guy."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.