by Sylene Argent
The spirit of the holiday season was in the air on Saturday night for the annual Harrow Kinsmen Christmas parade.
“It went fantastic,” Harrow Kinsmen Vice Chairperson, Danny Sauve, said. “Everybody had a good time.” He has heard and read a lot of good feedback from within the community since the big event took place.
Overall, Sauve was pleased with how the parade turnout, noting there were more floats along the procession that winds through the streets of Harrow Centre than there have been in the past and many residents lining the street to take in the spectacle.
He suspects individuals and families were looking for something to do as the pandemic continues and was pleased the event could provide some holiday cheer. “We were happy to maybe lift Christmas spirits here,” Sauve said.
In addition to enjoying the many floats, and perhaps getting their hands on a piece of candy or a treat, Sauve said the parade was also a great way for attendees to admire the work done through the Harrow Streetscape project, which the Town is overseeing as a way to enhance the downtown area.
He suspects the Harrow Kinsmen Club has been hosting the parade for around 25-years and continues to do so as part of its motto of, “Serving the community’s greatest need.”
Sauve did wish more kids would have taken advantage of the meet and greet with Santa that evening, and noted all COVID protocols were followed in doing so. He was happy, however, area youths were able to see the big man in red during the parade.
In the near future, Sauve is looking forward to releasing the top three float winners.
He thanked the Town of Essex and the OPP for helping to close the roads and keep everyone safe during the parade.
“I appreciate everybody who came out to participate in the parade. It was great,” he said.
Councillor Sherry Bondy agreed the parade turned out fantastically. “The Harrow Kinsmen did a great job.”
She was pleased to see members of Council in the parade, with area firefighters.
“Despite the cooler weather, it was well attended,” she said.