LOCAL HISTORY Reviving the beloved tradition of the Paris Santa Claus Parade

Growing up in this area and moving to Paris as a teen, I had always experienced the joy and excitement of this festive event, unaware of its rich history dating back to the early 20th century

The first recorded mention of Christmas in Paris can be traced back to a newspaper article from December 1929. The town was celebrating its second annual town Christmas Tree, adorned in the town square (this became the cenotaph in 1930). Santa Claus himself would visit the tree, distributing gifts to the children, followed by a free matinee at the nearby Capital Theatre Little did the residents know that this would mark the beginning of a cherished tradition that would endure for decades

Year after year, Santa Claus would make his grand entrance into downtown Paris, captivating the hearts of both young and old. Whether arriving in a bright red sleigh, a motorcar, or even a helicopter in the 1960s, his arrival was always met with great anticipation. Accompanying him were popular fairytale and nursery rhyme characters, adding an extra touch of magic to the parade.

The Penman's Entertainment and RecreationAssociation (PERA) took over sponsorship of the parade, and it grew larger and more spectacular with each passing year. The festivities would kick off in the morning at the PERA room located at Penman's #2mill on Willow Street The parade would then traverse the town, crossing the William Street bridge and making its way through downtown via William Street, Broadway Street, Mechanic Street, Grand River Street, Emily Street, and back to Broadway Street before finally landing at the Theatre.

Once Santa Claus arrived at the Theatre, over five hundred children eagerly packed into the venue. Each child would receive a bag filled with rock candy, an orange, and a candy cane to take home as a sweet memory of the day As the children enjoyed an afternoon filled with cartoons, serials, and a feature movie, parents had the opportunity to indulge in some holiday shopping

Santa Claus didn't stop there; his mission to spread joy extended beyond the theatre. After leaving the packed venue, he would visit the community hall to meet with preschool children and make special visits to sick children at the Willet or at their homes. It is estimated that around 1,200 to 1,300 bags of candy were distributed during the parade each year

In 1957, the Capitol Theatre closed its doors, marking the end of an era. However, Santa Claus found a new destination for his arrival Christmas Island, also known as Kings Ward Park. This tradition continued until 1966 when Penman's sponsorship ceased, and the parade came to a halt. The absence of the Santa Claus Parade left a void in the hearts of Paris residents, and Christmas in the town would never be the same.

Until… in 1985, a determined organizer named Dale Maidens decided it was time to bring back the cherished tradition. After an 18-year hiatus, the Paris Santa Claus Parade returned to the delight of the community. Maidens worked tirelessly to revive the spirit of the parade, ensuring that the magic of Christmas would once again fill the streets of Paris.

Since then, the Paris Santa Claus Parade has become an annual highlight, eagerly anticipated by residents and visitors alike Prior to the pandemic the parade was organised by Ed McGuire and Christine Ashton for the previous 20 years and was revived last year by the Paris Volunteer Firefighters Club and members from Station #1 This annual parade serves as a reminder of the town's rich history and the enduring power of community spirit As families gather along the parade route on December 2nd, 2023, at 6pm they will witness a joyous spectacle that honours the past while embracing the future.

The Paris Santa Claus Parade is not just a procession of floats and characters; it represents the unity and shared celebration of the holiday season. It is a time when the young and young at heart come together to embrace the enchantment and wonder of

Christmas. So, let us join hands and hearts as we welcome Santa Claus back to the main streets of Paris, with the hope that this beloved tradition continues for generations to come