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Drive-through Santa Extravaganza lights-up community spirit


Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
An event designed to bring holiday cheer to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, did just that, with the Loch Sloy Santa Extravaganza festive drive-through reverse parade.

For the many car loads of families, and there were likely a few thousand, the wait was long, at least one-and-a–half to two hours, with cars snaking along County Road 10 for miles, before doing the same on County Road 22, prior to entering the site.

Set up at the Loch-Sloy Business Park, a glitzy, fun stationary nighttime Santa Claus parade became a reality where the Festive Path didn’t disappoint, and neither did the weather.

While it wasn’t a snowy winter wonderland, rain held off for most of the event, which took place over a four-hour period, and where the mercury held steady at a balmy plus seven degrees.

In the absence of all the usual community Christmas parades this year due to the pandemic, the event allowed a community to enjoy the spirit of the season, all while remaining safe inside their vehicles.

Also known as a reverse Santa Claus parade, the one-off event transformed the former air base with glowing lights of many colours, decorations, static floats and displays, costumed characters, lit-up machinery, equipment and vehicles, and music too.

The magic of Christmas came alive thanks to Tri-Canadian Energy and Tri-Canadian Communications, who partnered with Loch-Sloy Business Park to bring Christmas to Prince Edward County.

Tri-Canadian’s part also included a solar-powered stage that saw local duo Instant Rivalry perform live.

With partners, it also created a huge solar illuminated Tree of Hope at 56-feet high and 30-feet wide which sparkled as visitors arrived. It will continue to be illuminated every night until the new Year.

For those wishing to safely visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, an option was provided with a drive through, that also allowed video conferencing.

The free event accepted cash donations, raising $8,800, to be split between two local charities – Alternatives for Women, and the Recreation Outreach Centre. Anyone wishing to donate to the charities via e-transfer can do so at donate@tricanadianenergy.com.

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  1. shawn cowan says:

    goodies pizza float , was great

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