Annual Santa Claus Parade lights up Wheatley

Story and photos by Deanna Bertrand

Wheatley may be small in size but it is evident that it is very big in community spirit, from the attendance and smiles at this year’s Santa Claus Parade.  

Erie Street came alive with Christmas lights, sounds and scenes on Saturday December 7. 

There were lighted floats, cars, tractors and trailers, as well as many people marching along the route.  

Entries included the  Wheatley Legion Colour Party, Wheatley Sharks, Wheatley Skating Club, Fish Festival Committee, Leamington District Secondary School marching band and many more school and community entries that were all dressed in their Christmas best.

Several hundred families fanned out along the parade route with children eagerly waiting Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Christmas gifts came early with many treats like candies, chocolates and of course candy canes being thrown out to the crowds filling many bags, buckets and even the pockets of moms and dads.

The parade, presented by the Wheatley Fish Festival Committee, started at Wheatley Area Arena and proceeded south on Erie Street, passing the main intersection where BIA volunteers were handing out free hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.  The parade ended at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament on Middleton Line.

Fish Festival Committee spokesperson Hilary Hodgson said on Sunday that they had 70 entries in this year’s parade, which she believes is a new record.