Bloomfield is on Santa’s ‘nice’ list following dazzling parade

By Sue Capon
Carols booming from Bloomfield United Church filled Main Street with Christmas cheer as large crowds awaited the main event Friday night – the arrival of Santa Claus in the annual night time parade.

Main street filled with people shopping in the village and warming up with hot chocolate, cider and chili, served at several locations. Some also enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village while they waited for the parade to begin.

Many warmed up inside the Bloomfield Branch Library as young visitors were invited to write letters to Santa, and to craft ornaments while they waited for the parade to begin. Many expressed delight to receive a new book gifted from the County Kids Read program.

Thousands stood curbside – from the parade start on Stanley Street and throughout the length of Main Street – to enjoy the many twinkling and sparkling lights, the festive music and the many shouts of ‘Merry Christmas’.

The popular Cherry Valley Frasers paused for a hug to the left, and a selfie to the right.

Veterans to the parade watched for a small chocolate milk handed out by the PEC Junior Farmers, or a Christmas carrot from Hagerman Farms, along with the usual cascade of candy tossed and handed to delighted children (of all ages).

Following almost an hour filled with delightful floats, walkers, horses, bikes, boats and all that bedazzles, the Queen’s University Bands, flag bearers, marchers and performers heralded Santa’s arrival in style.

Santa was in fine form in Bloomfield, delighted to wave to so many from his lists.

Before heading home to the North Pole, the Jolly Old Elf is also appearing at the Festival of Trees fundraiser for the County’s hospital, at Isaiah Tubbs Resort, West Lake, on Saturday from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.; then on Sunday he plans to attend Consecon’s parade, beginning at 1 p.m.