The community came together in downtown Orillia on Saturday evening for the magic of Christmas lights and Santa Claus.
Doug Bunker, who helps organize the annual Orillia Santa Claus Parade on behalf of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, says it was an easy decision to bring the nighttime parade back after its success last year.
"The presentation with lights makes it kind of more magical and Christmassy," he said.
Santa Claus parades have been happening in downtown Orillia since before the First World War.
"The parade represents the good feelings that come with this time of year," Bunker said. "Everyone seems to enjoy it because it's a social thing. They get to see the public, and they share a special aspect of our community."
Bunker could feel the enthusiastic spirit in the city during the parade.
"You can feel the energy go up," he said. "The response from the crowd is definitely really positive."
This year, there were about 90 floats in the parade, an event Bunker says spreads "goodwill" and allows people to forget about their hardships for a while.
"I think the parade dissolves all of the negativity. It's a positive entity," he said.
The head elf himself, Santa Claus, was thrilled to see more than 1,000 people in downtown Orillia on Saturday night.
"I love waving to all of the kids who come out," he said. "You can see their excitement and happiness."
He says the parade gives people one of their first tastes of Christmas magic for the year.
"It makes people happy. It gets everybody excited for the Christmas season," he said.
Hazel Allan, six, was ecstatic to be at the parade.
"I'm here to see Santa," she said. "This year, I'm asking him for dolls."
She is hopeful winter weather will arrive soon.
"I can't wait to throw snowballs," she said.
Harrison Treble, seven, was excited to see the large tractors that were in the parade this year.
"I'm really excited for Christmas," he said. "I'm most looking forward to having a break from school."
