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Santa and Mrs. Claus waved to the crowd to the sounds of cheers as the parade culminated in Kingsville.

Santa Claus Parade in Kingsville kicks off the festive season

Story and photos by Paul Forman

The sights and sounds in Kingsville this past Saturday night, November 16, reminded all that Christmas is just around the corner. 

Late afternoon at the Carnegie Arts & Visitor Centre was a warm-up for what was to come as the Kingsville BIA hosted a hockey shootout, a 360-degree photo booth, Christmas crafts and the holiday sounds from members of Kingsville School of Music.

When dusk arrived, the Santa Claus Parade made its way downtown then headed to Lakeside Park. Marching bands, zany characters, floats aglow and Santa with Mrs. Claus atop a town fire truck amazed the many hundreds that lined the streets.

The final destination of the evening for families was Lakeside Park. Inside the pavilion, hot chocolate and popcorn were served, followed by a sing-a-long opportunity for the kids. With a countdown from Mayor Dennis Rogers, Santa flipped the switch to begin Kingsville’s well known Fantasy of Lights while attendees made their way outside and around the park grounds to see the beautiful displays of lights that will run until January 2.

Karen Loney of the Town of Kingsville wanted to thank SK Cornerstone for being the signature sponsor for this year’s parade and extends an invitation to all for holiday events that will take place at Lakeside Park in the upcoming weeks. Paws & Claus takes place on December 3, the Christmas Artisan Market visits on December 7 and 8, Breakfast and Crafts with Santa follows on December 14, and a Fantasy of Lights Concert concludes the Christmas event calendar on December 21.

Robert Hickey has made it a Christmas tradition to dress up as the Grinch for the Santa Claus Parade. He is pictured here with his daughter Nora just before the parade arrived downtown.
This crew was all decked out in their Santa hats just before the parade. From left, Steven Belanger, James Stannard, Katie Stannard, William Stannard, Charlie Stannard, Jedi Suznevich and Todd Suznevich.
Excitement filled the Lakeside Park pavilion as the switch was thrown on to open the Fantasy of Lights.
Having just played princesses on a float in the parade, these two young ladies made their way down to the Fantasy of Lights display. At left is Lauren DeJong along with her sister Morgan.
Pictured above are just some of the dazzling displays at Kingsville’s Fantasy of Lights.

This week’s
online edition

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

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