By Martha Aitkin, Bruce Peninsula Press
It was a perfect day for a Parade! The sun was shining brightly on the snow that had fallen relentlessly all the previous day. There was hardly any wind. The parade floats and the horses and riders gathered in the Community Centre parking lot and under the jolly direction of the Parade Marshall, Cathy Addison, they set off in an orderly fashion right on time! The parade went right onto the highway and then turned right onto Head Street. From there they turned left at the Post Office corner and then another left (Yes, the wrong way on our one-way street!) and through the village before turning left again onto the highway and back to the Community Centre. Rumour has it that the Parade will have a new route next year in order to correct that wrong way on the one-way detail!
It was wonderful to see so many children with their eyes lighting up in delight at the sight of Santa Claus. It was wonderful to see their families and some of our community’s elder folks also enjoying the sunshine and the lively parade.
Back at the Community Centre the children enjoyed an opportunity to visit with Santa, hosted by the Tobermory Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and tell him of their plans to leave out cookies and milk for him on Christmas Eve. Some of them also whispered secrets to Santa about what they are hoping to find under their Christmas trees.
Children were presented treat bags and a choice of a toy, courtesy of the Ladies Auxiliary. They were able to pick out a book courtesy of the Friends of the Tobermory Library as well as opportunities to decorate a cookie, courtesy of Peacock’s Foodland, and an ornament, courtesy of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this awesome annual event. What a beautiful community we have! May all the blessings of the season find their way into your homes and hearts this Christmas.
