Santa Claus Makes Early Visit to Fort Saskatchewan

SANTA CLAUS AND SIMULATED REINDEER RIDE ON THEIR FLOAT IN SATURDAY’S SANTA CLAUS PARADE

TITAN TOWING ‘S MOOSE MASCOT, GIVING STUFFED MOOSE TOYS TO CHILDREN ATTENDING THE SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Hundreds of Fort Saskatchewan residents were treated to a pre-Christmas visit by long-time North Pole Resident and toy-builder, Santa Claus, at a downtown parade in his honor this past Saturday. Dressed in his classic red-and-white wardrobe, Santa brought a healthy dose of good cheer to children and adults alike. Although his actual reindeer team was absent from the parade (rumor has it they are busily preparing for their December 24th evening run), Santa had plenty of logistical support from local recruits serving as elves.

The Santa Claus parade also provided many Fort Saskatchewan organizations and businesses with an opportunity to greet the public and distribute candy canes and chocolates. Organizations appearing in the parade included the City of Fort Saskatchewan, Prairie EMS, the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department, the RCMP, the Fort Saskatchewan Midget AAA Rangers, the Fort Saskatchewan Sea Cadets, Sheeptown Players, the Fort Saskatchewan Museum and the Fort Saskatchewan Nordic Ski Club.

THE FORT SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM’S VINTAGE TRACTOR FLOAT

Businesses appearing included Titan Towing (along with their moose mascot, which gave many toy stuffed moose to delighted children), Musgrave Agencies Hospitality Inns and Suites (also with mascot), Original Joes (with the only horse-propelled float in this year’s parade), Kingdom Pets, Cover to Cover Books, Sobeys, Sweet Sue’s Candy, Romantic Secrets, ATB Financial, Heatcool Connect, RSC Equipment Rental, and Top Hat Entertainment. Many downtown businesses also helped continue the festivities following the parade, offering discounts and treats to holiday shoppers.

LOCAL CADETS MARCHING IN SATURDAY’S SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Local politicians also attended the parade. Edmonton-Sherwood Park MP Tim Uppal was at the event, as was Mayor Gale Katchur and Councilor Stew Hennig — the latter pair both rode atop the City’s parade float along with City Mascot, Auggie the Sheep. Also participating in the parade were Councilors Don Westman and Ed Van Delden.

Despite his busy schedule, Santa Claus also remained downtown for a couple of hours following the parade, to enable children to take photos with him and to help verify their Christmas gift lists. Santa is expected to return, towed by his team of reindeer, to Fort Saskatchewan skies and rooftops near midnight on December 24th.