Santa brings a taste of the North Pole to Picton’s parade

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
Snow came in a fury to make Santa Claus feel at home for Picton’s parade Sunday afternoon.

Though the crowds were lighter than usual as heavy, wet snow came fast and furious, the festive factor remained – for those in the parade, and those watching. Two bands cancelled appearances at noon, due to the weather but those who made it were led in the route by the OPP’s new community safety officer, County boy Aaron Miller.

Awaiting the parade’s arrival into the downtown core, some families kept warm and busy, having lots of fun making and throwing snow balls. Parade participants and those watching didn’t seem to mind the inclement weather and made the best of the stormy weather.

Organized by the Picton Recreation Parade Committee, the parade travelled along Picton’s Main Street, beginning in the east end at McFarland Drive, and headed west, through downtown and ending at Talbot Street.

An annual tradition, and a favourite for many before the parade, is the pancake breakfast held at the Prince Edward Yacht Club. Pancakes were served through the morning with proceeds going to Hospice Prince Edward.

Float and parade participants, led by the fire department, followed by Royal Canadian Legion members, included Picton branch library ‘Love Your Library’ supporters, the Belleville Senators Hockey Club, the Prince Edward Auto Club and Prince Edward Collegiate Institute Panthers among them.

The was a marching band and a contingent from the Royal Canadian Cadet Air Squadron. Seven council members and Mayor Steve Ferguson also braved the weather to hand out candy canes along the parade route.

Santa arrived looking cool wearing sunshades on his newly refurbished sleigh, with all the reindeer glowing.

‘S’no worries for the jolly elf, who dashes back to the North Pole before returning to the County next weekend for Wellington’s Light up the Village, all day Saturday, and Consecon’s parade Sunday, starting at 1 p.m.

The snow is expected to turn into scattered flurries Monday morning, after depositing 10-15cms throughout the County.