Santa's last stop
By Chris Simon

Each passing Santa Claus parade is like a trip back into childhood for Brad Martin.

And over the last few years, the Innisfil father has been helping his son enjoy the experience. Martin's son, five-year-old Alexander, is a member of the First Alcona Beavers. The group regularly participates in Innisfil's Santa Claus Parade, sitting in a hand crafted float lined with posters and flags. Each of the children dressed in their Beavers apparel of blue and brown, and waved to a cheering crowd as their float carried them along Innisfil Beach Road, from Jans Boulevard to Innisfil Beach Park Saturday.

Brad, marching proudly beside the float, loves the parade.

"This is his first time (in the parade)," he said, noting several relatives also attended the parade. "It brings back memories of when I used to go, the belief, the magic."

Despite a one week delay caused by inclement weather, the Innisfil Santa parade took place Dec. 22. Only a few days before Christmas, it was one of the last parades to take place in the region. About 30 groups, which included service clubs, non-profit organizations and businesses, participated in the event.

Included in the photos are the Lefroy Icebreakers, a dance team, Beavers and representatives from the Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce.

Although the original parade was expected to draw the participation of about 50 organizations, the smiling faces of hundreds of children and adults lined the parade route made the event a success, said organizer Gord Wauchope.

"It was a great success. It was so close to Christmas, but I wanted to get it on," he said. "It attracts a lot of people to the town, but it's really for the kids. It's been a tradition here for years."

The annual event, which is hosted by the Innisfil Community Events Corporation, included floats from the Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce, Scouts, Lions, The Earl of Alcona, and The Fork and Plate among others. The Royal Canadian Legion's colour band and The Dance Centre walked the route wearing distinct uniforms and carrying flags.

"There were a lot of great floats, it's hard to pick (a favourite)," said Wauchope. "Usually the streets are really packed. They weren't as busy as they normally are because everybody's shopping or (has) gone away. But there was a good crowd out there."