Making spirits bright at Innisfil Santa Claus Parade

Don’t rain on my parade was a message unheeded on Sunday when Innisfil’s Santa Claus Parade returned to Innisfil Beach Road.

It may have rained throughout the duration of the parade, but that didn’t deter anyone from having a great time. This was the first traditional walking parade since 2019, with static parades hosted at the YMCA in 2020 and 2021.

"The rain may as well have been snow judging by the smiles on all the faces of the children today during the parade, said Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard. "They were so excited to see Santa, they didn't care about the rain. It was nice to be back on the traditional parade route along Innisfil Beach Road and see so many families come to the parade."

With umbrellas in hand and cars parked on the side streets, crowds lined each side of Innisfil Beach Road to get a glimpse of the action. Whether it was the floats, dancers, marching band, festive characters, animals, or Santa himself, there was a lot to see. 

“After today’s Santa Claus Parade it is very clear that our town of Innisfil has very strong holiday and community spirit. Not even this rainy day stopped people from coming out to enjoy the wonderful festivities that ICE Corp. puts on every year,” said Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin.

Volunteers and participants were preparing for the parade long before Innisfil Beach Road closed to traffic at 12:30 p.m. 

“Did you know that the Innisfil Santa Claus Parade is organized by dedicated volunteers from the Innisfil Community Events Corporation (ICE Corp)?  Please join me in thanking them for the many hours of work required to bring this community tradition to our town every year,” Mayor Lynn Dollin said.

“It’s so rewarding. You’re giving back to the community,” ICE volunteer, Donna Ham, said. After five years of serving as the ICE Corps's secretary, Donna is looking forward to taking on the role of treasurer in 2023.

“[I’m] getting to know a lot of really good people and I love what we’re doing for the community,” Nadine Singh said. Singh started volunteering with the ICE Corp. this year as director of marketing and public relations.

As a volunteer-run organization, ICE Corp. is always looking for new members. They are grateful for all of their sponsors, including platinum sponsors, IHL, Horodynsky Farms Inc., and 400 Chrysler.

“[The sponsors] keep returning year-to-year, so that means a lot to us,” Ham said.

In the spirit of the season, non-perishable food items were collected along the parade route for the Innisfil Food Bank, as were donations of new, unwrapped toys for the Christmas 4 Kids charity.