by Garrett Fodor
Local residents got into the holiday spirit as the Leamington Christmas Parade returned back to its roots.
On Saturday, for the first time in more than three-years, the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade returned to Erie Street and downtown Leamington once again, after an alternative style event was offered in the past, due to the pandemic.
Hundreds lined the streets to watch the more than 50 floats from local organizations and businesses make their way down the parade route, many taking the time to hand out candy and other treats to onlookers. All were excited with anticipation to see the man and woman in red and white, Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
“We had an incredible crowd, and seeing so many smiling and happy people together and in the crowd is just so special,” Wendy Parsons, General Manager for the Leamington Region Chamber of Commerce, said. She has been a part of it since 2003. “The kids are always so excited to see Santa in the parade, so having the opportunity to see their smiling faces again is special. I know a lot of families look forward to this tradition.”
The previous renditions of the event throughout the pandemic were held as a reverse parade, or a drive-through parade. Floats lined Point Pelee for visitors to drive through the park and checkout. While Parsons is thankful for the experience and beautiful back-drop they had at Point Pelee, she said organizers are happy to return to Erie Street again, something she added was easier on the volunteers.
“When we were at the Point, volunteers arrived in the morning and were there most of the day, until the park closed at night,” Parsons recounted. “They put in a lot of work last year, and every year, and we could not do it without the support of our volunteers as well as the local business. Instead of our volunteers being outside all day, it’s about four-hours, so we’re grateful to return to some normalcy.”
Parsons noted that the 2022 rendition of the parade on Saturday featured 52 different businesses and organizations from within the community. She also said this year’s parade featured five different live bands that performed to the delight of the onlookers.
Following Santa’s arrival and completion of the parade route, the parade concluded with the annual fireworks. Parsons noted it’s always a crowd pleaser and something they are happy to be able to offer once again.
She added the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce will host its “Jingle and Mingle Business Expo” on December 8, featuring keynote speaker, Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI).