WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — The Santa Claus parade is a long-standing tradition in the communities which form Whitewater Region. Last weekend on Saturday, November 30 the community of Cobden heard music fill the crisp air and saw people line the sunny streets to watch the Santa Claus parade.
The annual parade left the Cobden Fairgrounds at 1:30 p.m. and was led by an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) escort, followed by the Renfrew Highland Pipes and Drums band. Numerous floats continued with the escort and saw people of all ages line the streets for a chance to see Jolly Ol’Saint Nick.
Participants of the parade included Olmstead’s Home Hardware, Logos Land, the Cobden Scouts, local churches, along with other local businesses and organizations. Numerous animals were also participants of the parade, including horses, a cow and house pets in seasonal sweaters.
After the parade children were able to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Whitewater Community Hall, located at the back of the municipal offices. Each child received a chocolate figurine and advent calendar. Organizer, Bonnie Helferty, said she was thrilled with the outcome of the event.
Santa Claus will return to Whitewater Region this weekend, coming to Beachburg on Saturday, December 7 and Westmeath on Sunday, December 8. The Beachburg parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the Westmeath parade will begin at 5:00 p.m.
