Thousands of Paris residents bundled up and lined the streets to watch the annual Paris Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Despite the light rain, residents were all smiles as they eagerly awaited Santa’s return to the County of Brant. Many came prepared with lawn chairs to sit on, and others popped their trunks to sit in the back and enjoy some snacks.
While last year’s event took place in the town’s north end, this year, the Paris Firefighters’ Club brought the parade back to the Downtown area.
The route ran along Grand River Street South, starting at Burwell Street, and up to Grand River Street North and St. Patrick Street, ending at Paris District High School.
For many attendees, the parade is a long-standing tradition, while for others like the Boychyn family, it was their first time attending the annual event.
“We moved here during the pandemic, so this is actually the first time at this parade and the boys are pretty excited,” said Emily Boychyn.
It wasn’t long until fire trucks and ambulances fired up the sirens and got the event moving.
Several firefighters walked along with fire boots at the head of the parade to collect a variety of non-perishable food items, toys and monetary donations.
A variety of local businesses and community groups such hockey clubs, football teams, and dance studios were all present, with many performing routines or handing out candy and other goodies to the crowd.
Before long, the man of the hour, Santa Claus, arrived on scene as he followed shortly behind the Glass Slipper Company and their many princesses.
Children clapped and cheered in excitement as jolly St. Nicholas waved back to them from his large sleigh.
If you missed this parade, St. George and Burford will host their events on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
