SANTA DID IT AGAIN SATURDAY IN GRAVENHURST, AS PARADE SEASON CONTINUES WITH LEGAL WAIVERS IN HAND

Photos Lois Cooper | MuskokaTODAY.com

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Night and day Santa Claus parades get bigger and better.

After last weekend in Bala and Friday night in Huntsville, the Claus who brings pause to people everywhere made his third Muskoka appearance here yesterday afternoon.

On cool morning more fitting for the season he followed a parade full of floats and marchers — who all had to sign legal waivers ordered by the District of Muskoka to use “their streets.”

Even Santa?

“Yes, everyone,” said Chamber of Commerce organizer Meghan Pratt.

When asked he had signed his, Santa shouted “Ho! Ho! Ho!”

A large Legion contingent included a lot of pipes and drums.

Undeterred, everyone enjoyed another day that put a smile on faces no matter threats of litigation.

The chamber of commerce’s theme was favourite decades.

And while many groups and organizations put their own spin on it — many chintzy businesses used it as a chance to advertise decorating their company trucks and vans with reindeer ears that even Rudolph would be embarrassed by. They should be banned.

Thankfully most did not and put effort into everything from ’50s, ’60s and ’70s rock ’n’ roll rides and juke boxes to the Calvary Baptist Church’s banner that read the “Reason for the Season.”

Just for Kicks took it up a notch this year with their colourful dance troupe.

With a Legion colour guard and pipe and drums leading the way — and the Bifocals Band pulling up the rear with “Hear Comes Santa Claus” in between its was another colourful, fun event a day less than a month away from Christmas.

One Santa and you can experience again next Friday night in Bracebridge — and more the weeks to come.

Bring your waiver — you may have to have it to watch the parade.

The Muskoka Pioneer Army Cadets were back off Nov. 11 sentry duty walking the route.
Always a sight to behold, “Sparky” was cheerful and cheering.
Muskoka Springs had the most authentic 1950s vehicle in the parade.
Rotarians are always up for a good time joking and having fun with the crowd.
The Rotary float included an Elvis sighting and great juke box.
Probus rode into town on a motorcyle and a lot of black leather and malts.
The Opera House was promoting the exciting return of this weekend’s Nutcracker shows Dec. 2 and 3.
Candy handouts the new orders of the day had these boxy sweethearts doing their part.
More Just of Kicks kids and teens showed their award-winning talents.
This great float came from the Severn Fall Fair folks who appealed to both sides of the street.
Home Hardware was a winner with a very colourful float topped by a grimacing Grinch.
That ’70s show must have influenced these “Groovy” bus riders who received lots of applause.
Bethune House offered a ride to Parks Canada’s mascot “Parka.”
Santa’s large and small were everywhere, including this one on the Gravehurst Heating and Plumbing float.
Who said unicorns don’t exist and that they don’t dish out the good?
It looks like this one was a candy cane house, but not sure. But loved the lights and big elf.
The GAP had a large contingent of volunteer walkers spreading the message about healthy eating and supporting those who can’t.
The Bifocals Band let the hundred lining the parade route that Santa was close at hand.
And lest ye forget the “reason for the season,” this Calvary Baptist Chuch float reminded everyone.
And finally the man everyone was waiting to cheer brang up the rear in loud, good cheer. Ho! Ho! Ho! He did it again in style.

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