Karen Graham
Under sunny skies and unnaturally warm weather, the twenty floats in the Santa Claus parade strolled down King Street to the sounds of cheers and marching bands. Entries came from all ages and interests, including sports teams, local businesses, service clubs, politicians, and of course, ended with the arrival of the main man himself. A particularly large crowd surrounded the Vowles’ family float sporting a Super Heroes theme. Putting a float in the Millbrook Santa Claus parade is a Vowle family tradition begun almost 40 years ago by the late Great Grandmother Bonnie and husband Ron formerly of Whitfield Road in Fraserville. With over forty family members from three generations in attendance on Saturday, granddaughter Brandy who now lives in Whitby, described how family members had come from places as far as Hamilton, Ottawa and Calgary to participate in the event. It is always followed by a family pot-luck meal at the Lions’ Den where they establish the theme for next year’s float.
After the parade, spectators could join Santa in the Legion to place their Christmas requests, head to the arena and watch a game in the Novice and Atom tournament underway or make some headway on their Christmas shopping lists at local stores.