Ever-popular Santa Lights Parade held in Assiniboia

ASSINIBOIA -  Everyone loves a parade, right?

The Assiniboia and District Chamber of Commerce hosted their ever-popular Santa Lights Parade on December 1.

This year, it was bigger and better than it may ever have been before. Because of COVID-19, last year’s parade was unfortunately cancelled. This year, however, the parade resumed once more, much to the delight of its onlookers and faithful supporters. Folks came from all over southern Saskatchewan to do their Christmas shopping and watch this well organized special event.

The weatherman cooperated with unseasonably warm temperatures and zero snow, making the experience delightfully pleasant for the 800 or 900 residents who attended.

It would be safe to say: “a good time was had by all” at the parade.

This year’s parade got under way at 6:30 p.m., ending more than an hour later. The local detachment of RCMP led the parade, followed by more than 30 floats and entries.

The parade concluded with Santa himself, the mayor, and a few special guests riding on the Town of Assiniboia float. The Assiniboia Fire Department and Firefighters, with Hutch Ambulance Services bringing up the rear, followed them.

One of the parade’s organizers and workers, who wished to remain anonymous, is quoted as saying:

“Some of the merchants put in so much time and effort decorating their beautiful floats. It was just unbelievable the hours they put in! And it was so wonderful to see such a large crowd out to enjoy it all”.

She explained, “When folks enjoy and appreciate what you’ve done, it makes it all worthwhile”.

Whether next year’s parade will procced or not, is still up for discussion. Like everything else, sadly its future is in the hands of the current COVID pandemic.