Families Celebrate at Sault Ste. Marie’s Rotary Santa Claus Parade

The annual Rotary Santa Claus Parade in Sault Ste. Marie brought families together on December 2, 2023, celebrating the festive season with joy and community spirit. Families flocked to the Sault Ste. Marie Museum to witness the vibrant procession featuring Santa Claus and numerous local participants.

Eight-year-old Liam McCourt highlighted the day’s excitement, eagerly anticipating both the candy and the chance to see Santa himself. Joined by his grandmother, Nancy Parr, and family members, Liam planned to enjoy the sweet treats collected during the parade, sharing some with other children as well. His sister, Lily, participated by riding on the float from Korah Collegiate and Vocational School.

The parade was particularly special for Layne Olar, who celebrated his second birthday just a day before. Attending the event with his great-grandmother, Denise Hoskins, and his mother, Nikita Olar, Layne enjoyed the festivities. Denise, who fondly remembered being brought to similar parades as a child, expressed joy in seeing the smiles on her great-grandchildren’s faces.

Another family participant, Tina Grisdale, showcased her creativity with handmade Christmas attire, including a crocheted Santa hat and festive mittens. Grisdale attended with her daughters, Amber and Megan, alongside her husband, Jim, and granddaughter, Mikayla. Amber reminisced about her first experience at a Santa parade as a young child and emphasized the “community spirit” that the event fosters. She particularly enjoyed the “high energy” displayed by parade participants, who entertained the crowd with dancing and vibrant floats.

Despite challenging weather conditions, including rain and wet snow, the parade proceeded with enthusiasm. Temperatures hovered around 3°C, but that did not dampen the spirits of the many schools, businesses, and organizations that participated. Notable contributors included St. Mary’s French Immersion, Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School, and local businesses like Soo Mill and Service Rentals.

As the parade progressed, Santa Claus made a brief appearance, greeting excited children with a cheerful “Merry Christmas” and his iconic “Ho ho ho.” The festivities were preceded by the inaugural Big Santa Run, an event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie, which added to the day’s community-focused atmosphere.

The Rotary Santa Claus Parade remains a cherished tradition, drawing families back year after year to celebrate the magic of the holiday season together.