Santa Claus has come to town!
It's been a long wait for some, but the Big Fella slid back into Owen Sound Saturday, Nov. 19, as the 77th annual Kiwanis Owen Sound Santa Claus Parade wound its way through a bundled-up crowd of thousands lining downtown streets.
The Hub was there too, we love a parade!
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| Firepits at City Hall radiate warmth and cheer. |
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| Owen Sound's heritage buildings provide an historical ambiance to the parade. |
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| Kids of all ages keep warm as anticipation builds. |
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| 2nd Avenue East sidewalks fill up. |
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| It's been a long wait for some. |
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| Finally!! Flashing lights mark the approach of the parade. |
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| All set for a sudden thaw. |
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| Bring your own spotlight to highlight your float. |
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| Councillor Carol Merton offers a ride. |
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| Oh those Shriners! Look out! The Ramoca Shrine Club have some fun on the snowy street. |
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The Hub finds the Hub! Editor Anne Finlay-Stewart and Elf Kelda parade with HCSS.
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| The Owen Sound City Band is well protected from the elements. |
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| Riding a float through downtown Owen Sound gives a different perspective. |
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| Hats and scarves and blankets keep participants toasty. |
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| Frosty gets some love. |
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| Chewbacca gets some space. |
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| Snow, what snow? The squalls stay fairly light during the evening as Santa gets nearer. |
And finally, the Elf of the Hour, Santa Claus himself, rides high above the crowd,
his "Ho Ho Ho, Hello Owen Sound" ringing through the air.
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| Santa Claus brings the 77th annual Kiwanis Owen Sound to its natural conclusion. |
Seasons Greetings, Owen Sound!
Merry Christmas to all!
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Staffer David Galway has covered Santa all over the province and has been eagerly anticipating his first Owen Sound parade.
He notes last night's working conditions were much more comfortable than during his first parade, when Santa arrived in Timmins in 1983. Same wind, same snow, but just a tad chillier at -30C.
It was an educational afternoon. The camera's film advance had to be levered around very slowly to prevent static electricity discharging on the film (leaving lightning forks across the images). A slow advance also helped to avoid the chance that the film, brittle from the cold, would break apart in the camera.
And central Ontario winter gear isn't exactly adequate for the North ...
– by Hub Staff
David Galway
