Bloomfield’s night-time parade kicks-off holly jolly season

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
Every year, the Bloomfield night-time Santa Claus parade is anticipated, every year it brings excitement, every year it falls on the fourth Friday in November, and every year it never fails to impress.

Folks probably long stopped counting how many people show-up each and every year, but it’s always in the thousands.

Friday night brought the 2023 version of the parade as Bloomfield showcased what it does best and what it’s known for around the County.

The parade was long, colourful, noisy (in a good way), illuminating and exciting as local folks, businesses and farmers, even local politicians, came out to participate, to see who could dazzle with the brightest and biggest floats and vehicles, and dazzle they did as Main Street was lit up as far as the eye could see.

While it was a seasonably cool night with a clear sky and an equally bright and glowing (and almost full) moon, the wind relaxed making for a thoroughly pleasant evening.

For those in need of warmth and sustenance, hot chili and hot chocolate was available in the town hall, and a few other food vendors filled the role too.

This annual favourite event entertained and thrilled little kids and big kids, putting everyone in the spirit of the season of Christmas.

And while the Cherry Valley Frasers have been around almost as long as Santa, and may have attended almost as many parades, it was the big guy himself in the red suit and white beard arriving on his big sleigh, that delighted the youngest spectators especially.

The parade began its journey at the corner of Stanley Street and Shannon Road, travelling along Stanley to Main Street before ending the route at County Road 32, with various road closures in place to accommodate floats and folks.

Santa Claus will return to the County on Sunday, Dec. 3 visiting Picton and Consecon, with both parades beginning at 1p.m.