What some are calling the best Santa Claus Parade ever delighted thousands of people in Fort Macleod on Saturday.
The nearly 60-minute long parade, highlighted by the arrival of Santa Claus, continued a Fort Macleod tradition that started more than four decades ago.
“Forty years ago we had no idea that what we started would keep going,” said Jim Mountain, whose suggestion it was in 1982 to hold the Santa Claus Parade.
Mountain, who was chairman of the Main Street Program, pitched the idea of a parade to the Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce.
Mountain saw an opportunity when Eaton’s president Frederik Eaton cancelled the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto after a 77-year run.
The Santa Claus Parade could serve to unite the community and act as an economic generator, which was one of the goals of the Main Street Program.
“With thanks to hundreds of volunteers and sponsors and the many thousands who it has given joy to since 1982 and raised a lot of money for the community too — congratulations,” Mountain said in a message to the Santa Claus Parade committee.
Downtown Fort Macleod was busy Friday night as people took part in the Moonlight Madness late-night shopping event organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
People made their way along Main Street, which was closed to vehicle traffic, checking out the sales at participating stores.
Fort Macleod council and staff served an option of free stew or hot dogs for supper in the Devonian Walkway.
Fire pits were set up on Main Street and watched over by the Fort Macleod Fire Department and Doran Degenstein’s wagon gave rides to people.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choir sang carols on Main Street, providing a sound track for the evening.
Line-ups were long for face-painting at the Fort Macleod Library, which also hosted vendors, children’s crafts and the Fort Macleod Health Care Auxiliary Association’s Tree of Hope.
The Allied Arts Giant Craft Sale at the community hall and the Lions Club’s craft sale at the Holy Cross Hall attracted crowds.
A highlight of Friday evening was the lighting of the community Christmas tree, followed by a light show that attracted a large crowd on a calm evening.
“This is what community is all about, right here,” said Mayor Brent Feyter, who urged people to help those who need it during the Christmas season.
Citizen of the Year Liisa Gillingham officially lit the community tree.
Saturday dawned bright, calm and mild — perfect conditions for the Santa Claus Parade.
The F.P. Walshe school grads served a pancake breakfast to start the day and craft sales and other activities resumed.
The parade kicked off at 11 a.m., its arrival heralded by Joel Lybbert riding his buffalo Indie.
Bands and floats combined to capture the attention of the crowds who lined Main Street for the next hour, with the arrival of Santa Claus signalling the official start of the Christmas season.
The band 90xOver played on Main Street after the parade, while the wagon rides resumed, with close to 900 people climbing aboard over two days.
Santa Claus was at the Fort Museum to pose for photos, and children had the chance to decorate about 300 Christmas cookies provided by FCSS.
The Rotary Club held its annual fund-raising auction at the G.R. Davis Administration Building, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted the family dance as the festival concluded.
