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
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.