Timmins Santa Claus Parade returns

It is not quite Christmas yet, but it’s beginning to look a lot like it in Timmins, both with the weather and the abundance of holiday spirit. Residents kicked-off the festive season Saturday evening, with thousands gathering in the downtown for the city’s 2022 Santa Claus Parade.

About 55 festive floats with over a thousand volunteers and parade participants showed-off their creative designs while handing out candy to spectators and gathering donations for a local food bank.

Organizers said they estimate about 15,000 people flocked downtown, which was radiating holiday music and glowing with the lights of the floats.

“It’s important to know that we’re involved in the community and just get out there, spread that cheer and have fun!” said Mckenzie Walker with the Cochrane-Temiskaming Children’s Treatment Centre.

This year’s parade had a variety of diverse entries such as live animals, high schools, corporate entries, service clubs, cadet groups, dance schools and non-profit organizations.

Attendees told CTV News that the presentation was amazing and it was great to see the crowds return following the loosening of pandemic restrictions.

The entries aimed to put their best festive foot forward and get people excited for the upcoming holiday season.

“It’s fun to be in the Christmas parade! At least we can showcase what we know about decorating a float and we have fun doing it!” said Estela Chow with the Filipino Association in Timmins.

Chow was not alone in the sentiment that the parade was a lot of fun, Maycee Vierimaa, a student at O’Gorman High School also expressed her excitement in being part of the event.

“I think it’s really fun to show our school spirit and make our school very known in our community, as someone who likes being part of the community.”

The holiday spirit also included the spirit of giving as the parade was also an opportunity for Socks Timmins and the South Porcupine Food Bank to collect donations of warm clothes, non-perishable food and cash, to ensure those in need can enjoy the season as well.

“We’re really hoping for a lot of donations. We’ve got a trailer to fill, we’ve a van to fill, we’ve got the Gold Kings (hockey team) to help us unload all the food tonight. So, we’re just hoping everybody’s very generous,” said the South Porcupine Food Bank’s president, Melissa Narduzzi.

Organizers said the evening celebrated a cherished Timmins tradition with no shortage of holiday spirit and thousands of smiles and cheers.

Downtown Timmins BIA also handed out a several awards for as part of the celebration.

Lady Luck Family Restaurant & Convenience Store won brightest float, most original float went to Timmins Tree Service and judges choice went to Timmins High & Vocational School.

A complete list of winners can be found on the parade’s Facebook page.