Families from across southern Alberta braved the snow and cold to check out the 37th annual Santa Claus Parade in Fort Macleod Nov. 24.
The parade is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and always has a massive draw.
Ashley Nelson, the Santa Claus Parade coordinator, said it’s a huge event for the small town.
“It’s kind of the pride and joy of our community. We’re known as the largest parade west of Toronto, so it’s a big deal for us. It’s a really expensive thing to put on. We pay for all of the bands to come down from Calgary and the surrounding area. We pay for their travel and give them lunch, so they’re fed before they head home. Advertising is a huge expense as well, making sure that it’s well known in the area that it’s coming up.”
Nelson said the event takes months of planning, but it’s all worth it in the end when the streets in Fort Macleod light up with people and Christmas spirit.
The parade this year showcased four marching bands and several businesses, but if you’re like eight-year-old Oliver Abernathy, you’re mostly there to see the big man in red.
“I’m so excited to see Santa… I’m going to ask him for this thing that’s Lego Ninjago that’s silver and it has a dragon! And an Anacondrai Warrior!”
Oliver, along with several other children, got a chance to meet with Santa later in the day as Fort Macleod’s Christmas Festival continued. There was a free showing of Elf at the Empress Theatre and a family dance later in the night.
Santa Claus denied Lethbridge Campus Media’s interview request due to it being his busy season, but with Christmas right around the corner we’ll all be seeing him soon enough.
