Bells were ringing, cars were honking their horns and the sun was shining Saturday as Midland welcomed Santa Claus.
It might have been a crazy year, but the Jolly Old Elf still managed to find time in his busy schedule to make his way to town on a beautiful, crisp December afternoon.
Cars lined up along King and Yonge Streets to get into the reverse Santa Claus Parade that wound its way through Little Lake Park. The many floats claimed their spot on the road lining the park, excitedly anticipating the arrival of hundreds of families from across the region.
Amanda Clarke, Georgian Bay District Secondary School music teacher, organized the school’s float and said they were proud to represent the students of the area as the only school in the parade.
However, maintaining social distancing is hard for a music band, she noted.
“Usually we have our entire band in the parade, but because of COVID, we can only have five students on a float,” said Amanda “We just had to change things up this year, but the kids have been great.”
Nicole Major, events coordinator for the Town of Midland, brainstormed with her committee and the Midland Civitan Club to figure out a way they could make things fun, despite the fact the pandemic has shut so much down.
Many of Santa’s Little Helpers were seen guiding the cars through the park and wishing all a Merry Christmas, while keeping six feet apart, of course.
“As awful of a year as it’s been and with all the challenges, it's a pretty good alternative,” explained Pete Wright, a member of the organizing committee.
"The kids are having fun and that’s what it’s all about, trying to make a good thing out of a bad situation.”
