SANTA APPEARS TWICE AT TWO MUSKOKA LAKES PARADES

BALA — Christmas came early Saturday thanks to Muskoka Lakes, where there was not one but two Santa Claus parades.

At 1 p.m. on a bright, sunny — and not too cool — afternoon the first parade marched off from the east end of Bala with a long lineup of floats and three bands — including the legion pipe band on foot and the Muskoka Concert Band and Kingfishers Band riding and playing.

They paraded across town and around and back to the Community Centre, for hot dogs, hot chocolate and chance for kids sit on Santa’s lap for a photo-op.

Later in the early evening, it was Port Carling’s turn.

The Hub of the Muskoka Lakes had it’s visit from Santa under a dark sky lit up with colourful Christmas lights on the many floats.