Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Southpoint Sun - A9
Wheatley proves stronger than ever with Santa Claus Parade
By Greg Coulter If you didn’t make it to the Wheatley Christmas Parade Saturday night, December 3, you may have missed one of the best parades ever held in the village. The streets were lined with onlookers as up to 45 floats passed by. Heading north on Erie Street, in stark contrast, it passed by the fenced off
explosion area of Talbot Street East offering the residents some much deserved Christmas cheer. The business community really stepped up with some amazing float decorations. Renny’s Mike Renwick and family — still shut down from the explosion — took time to offer Christmas greetings with a float.
The Wheatley Sharks players, executive and families and Skate Wheatley participated while the U13 Southpoint Stars collected food items along the parade route. Social media comments lit up with accolades for the float participants and the parade committee, consisting of Sarah Stevenson, Jamie Lee Church, Ricki-Lee Scratch, Jodi
The Jr. C Wheatley Omstead Sharks were well-represented.
The Wheatley Horticultural Society’s float.
Two Creeks was repesented by Gerry Soulliere on a 4x4.
Mummery, Heidi Omstead, Jocelyn Jones, and Hilary Hodgson. A straw poll suggested that Gerhard Taves’ decked out massive combine was the overwhelming float favourite by young and old alike. On behalf of the committee, Hilary Hodgson said, “It truly does take a village. Many local businesses, clubs and in-
dividuals came together to bring Wheatley a very special Christmas Parade. Our town may be broken but the people of our community are here to remind everyone that we’re strong and together we can overcome all obstacles.” She added more comments of thanks on her Facebook page highlighting, “Most of all, thank
you to every single spectator. Hundreds of people lined the parade route to watch the floats go by. It was so magical and beautiful!” The Wheatley Fish Fest committee sponsored the parade and is actively working on this year’s Fish Fest along with next year’s Christmas Parade. PHOTOS BY GREG COULTER
The Southpoint Klite Festival had a float complete with dancing fairies.
King Siddall and Barb Siddall both enjoyed the parade.
Skate Wheatley members walked along the parade route.