Families from around the county packed both sides of Erie Street in Leamington to take in the annual Leamington Santa Claus parade on a blustery final evening of November. Hosted by the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, this year’s parade was themed “Christmas Over the Years” which aligned nicely with Leamington’s 150th anniversary.
The parade featured an impressive 80+ entries, highlighted by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus atop a nostalgic float, and judged by a panel that included Leamington Mayor/County Warden Hilda MacDonald, Leamington’s 150th Chair John Moran and Southpoint Sun editor Mark Ribble.
The spectacle ended on a celebratory note beside the Leamington Municipal Building as Santa held a countdown for the town trees to be lit up followed by a brief fireworks show.
Chamber of Commerce General Manager Wendy Parsons commented, “The parade is just another way we can celebrate Leamington’s birthday. It is because of our volunteers, sponsors, parade participants and community that we are able to put on a successful parade for the residents.”
Sun photos by Paul Forman and Mark Ribble